21 Make thy life wisely, O my son, lest thy neighbours speak ill concerning thee. And if thou shouldst stray from the narrow path, remember the other, that it is of sand.
22 Wherefore, tread lightly. For he that leaveth his footprint behind, his foolishness condemns him. But the prudent sinner is exalted unto heaven, and his name, it exhaleth a very sweet perfume.
23 For whosoever sups with the devil in a place where men pass by, shall he not, therefore, turn out the light?
24 Woe unto the peacemongers that entice thee with words, for these do seek thine undoing.
25 Thy way leadeth over stony ground, and to go back, it is the manner of a coward.
26 For whosoever setteth his hand to the plow, he shall not turn back; and he that finisheth a furrow, he hath not plowed the field.
27 What man gathereth him the blossom of the apple tree? Rather doth he wait until the fruit cometh, big and full of juice; then doth he eat of it.
28 Avoid thou them that seek to divide the people, one against the other, for they are traitors in the land.
29 Turn not away from instruction, O my son, but open thine ears full wide, for wisdom maketh a fair mistress and she is youthful for all time.
30 And he that followeth after her, his life shall be well ordered and his affairs shall fall out just so.