Remember that of them thou wast born: and what wilt thou recompense them for the things that they have done for thee? Fear the Lord with all thy soul; and reverence his priests. With all thy strength love him that made thee; and forsake not his ministers. Fear the Lord, and glorify the priest; and give him his portion, even as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of holy things. * * * * * Also to the poor man stretch out thy hand, that thy blessing may be perfected. A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living, and for a dead man keep not back grace. Be not wanting to them that weep; and mourn with them that mourn. Be not slow to visit a sick man; for by such things thou shalt gain love. In all thy matters remember thy last end, and thou shalt never do amiss. =8= Contend not with a mighty man, lest haply thou fall into his hands. Strive not with a rich man, lest haply he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and turned aside the hearts of kings. Contend not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire. * * * * * Jest not with a rude man, lest thine ancestors be dishonoured. Reproach not a man when he turneth from sin: remember that we are all worthy of punishment. Dishonour not a man in his old age; for some of us also are waxing old. Rejoice not over one that is dead: remember that we die all. * * * * * Neglect not the discourse of the wise, and be conversant with their proverbs; for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to minister to great men. Miss not the discourse of the aged; for they also learned of their fathers: because from them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer in time of need. * * * * * Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burned with the flame of his fire. Rise not up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for thy mouth. Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself; and if thou lend, be as one that hath lost. Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety, take thought as one that will have to pay. * * * * * Go not to law with a judge; for according to his honour will they give judgement for him. Go not in the way with a rash man, lest he be aggrieved with thee; for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with his folly. Fight not with a wrathful man, and travel not with him through the desert; for blood is as nothing in his sight; and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee. Take not counsel with a fool; for he will not be able to conceal the matter. Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.