Always Use Good Judgment

1Don't fight those in power

if you have no chance to win.

2Don't argue with those

who have plenty of gold--

they will drag you down

by bribing others

or by persuading the king

to see things their way.

3And arguing with those

who talk too much

is like piling more wood

on a fire.

4Don't laugh at those

who are crude,

unless you want to hear them

insult your ancestors.

5If people are trying

to stop committing sins,

don't make them feel guilty;

remember that we all deserve

to be punished for our sins.

6Don't dishonor old people--

the rest of us

are getting older too.

7Never be happy

when someone dies.

Remember, all of us

must die someday.

8When wise people speak,

pay attention, then study

what they have said.

You will learn discipline

and how to serve

those in power.

9Listen when old people tell you

what they learned

from their ancestors.

Then you will understand

how to give the best answer

when one is needed.

10Don't encourage sinners to sin;

they might blaze up like a fire

and you would get burned.

11Don't argue with the arrogant--

they will try to turn

your own words against you.

12Never lend to someone

who is stronger than you;

if you make such a loan,

don't count on being repaid.

13Don't ever guarantee a loan

for more than you can afford,

and don't be surprised

if you have to repay

a loan you guaranteed.

14Never sue judges--

their influence is so great

that they will always win.

15Don't travel with those

who like danger.

They will do what they please

and cause you problems,

and their foolishness

might get you killed.

16Don't start a fight

with hot-tempered people.

They don't care who they kill,

so don't travel with them

along deserted roads,

where you would be helpless

if they attacked.

17Fools can't keep a secret,

so don't ask them for advice.

18And when strangers are around

don't do anything

that you want kept secret--

you never know

who they might tell.

19Do not discuss with just anyone

what you really think,

and don't let others

do favors for you.