The idea is similar to Matt. 13:57: “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.”
20. Writing is the mother of eloquence and the father of artists.
21. Be gentle to thy enemy as to an old oven.[575]
22. The gift of the king is the nobility of the exalted; the gift of the king is the favor of governors.
23. Friendship in days of prosperity is servitude forever.
24. There is strife where servants are; slander where anointers anoint.
25. When thou seest the gain of the fear of god, exalt god and bless the king.[576]
2. Precepts from the Library of Ashurbanipal.[577]
Thou shalt not slander, (but) speak kindly;
Thou shalt not speak evil, (but) show mercy.
Him who slanders (and) speaks evil,
With its recompense will Shamash[578] visit (?) his head.
Thou shalt not make large thy mouth, but guard thy lip;
In the time of anger thou shalt not speak at once.
If thou speakest quickly, thou wilt repent (?) afterward,
And in silence wilt thou sadden thy mind.
Daily present to thy god
Offering and prayer, appropriate to incense.
Before thy god mayest thou have a pure heart,
For that is appropriate to deity.
Prayer, petition, and prostration
Early in the morning shalt thou render him; he will judge thy burdens (?),
And with the help of God thou wilt be abundantly prosperous.
In thy wisdom learn of the tablet;
The fear (of God) begets favor,
Offering enriches life,
And prayer brings forgiveness of sins.
(The text of the rest is too broken for connected translation.)