Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| Do not quarrel with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands.
2| Do not dispute with a rich man, lest he outweigh you with his wealth; for gold has destroyed many, and it has turned aside the hearts of kings.
3| Do not quarrel with a man who talks too much, and do not pile wood on his fire.
4| Do not joke with an uneducated man, lest your ancestors be dishonored.
5| Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we are all under judgment.
6| Do not dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us also grow old.
7| Do not rejoice over a dead man; remember that we all die.
8| Do not disregard the discourse of the wise, but occupy yourself with their proverbs; for from them you will pick up wisdom, and gain skill in attending great men.
9| Do not miss the discourse of old men, for they themselves learned it from their fathers; for from them you will learn understanding, and how to give an answer in time of need.
10| Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned in the fire of his flame.
11| Do not rise up before an insolent man, lest he lie in wait like an ambush for your mouth.
12| Do not lend to a man stronger than yourself, and if you lend, count it as lost.
13| Do not give surety beyond your means, and if you do give surety, take care as one who must pay.
14| Do not go to law against a judge, for they will judge in his favor, according to his standing.
15| Do not travel the road with a reckless man, lest he become a burden to you; for he will do as he pleases, and you will perish together with his folly.
16| Do not pick a fight with a hot-tempered man, and do not travel through the wilderness with him; for blood is nothing in his eyes, and with no one there to stop him he will strike you down.
17| Do not take counsel with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a matter to himself.
18| Do not do anything secret in the presence of a stranger, for you do not know what it will bring forth.
19| Do not lay open your heart to every man, and do not let him repay you with a kindness.