Lessons for superiors and inferiors. Advantages of fearing God, and doing nothing without counsel.

[1] Have they made thee ruler? be not lifted up: be among them as one of them. [2] Have care of them, and so sit down, and when thou hast acquitted thyself of all thy charge, take thy place: [3] That thou mayst rejoice for them, and receive a crown as an ornament of grace, and get the honour of the contribution. [4] Speak, thou that art elder: for it becometh thee, [5] To speak the first word with care knowledge, and hinder not music.

[6] Where there is no hearing, pour not out words, and be not lifted up out season with thy wisdom. [7] A concert of music in a banquet wine is as a carbuncle set in gold. [8] As a signet of an emerald in a work of gold: so is the melody of music with pleasant and moderate wine. [9] Hear in silence, and for thy reverence good grace shall come to thee. [10] Young man, scarcely speak in thy own cause.

[11] If thou be asked twice, let thy answer be short. [12] In many things be as if thou wert ignorant, and hear in silence and withal seeking. [13] In the company of great men bake not upon thee: and when the ancients are present, speak not much. [14] Before a storm goeth lightning: and before shamefacedness goeth favour: and for thy reverence good grace shall come to thee. [15] And at the time of rising be not slack: but be first to run home to thy house, and there withdraw thyself, and there take thy pastime.

[16] And do what thou hast a mind, but not in sin or proud speech. [17] And for all these things bless the Lord, that made thee, and that replenisheth thee with all his good things. [18] He that feareth the Lord, will receive his discipline: and they that will seek him early, shall find a blessing. [19] He that seeketh the law, shall be filled with it: and he that dealeth deceitfully, shall meet with a stumblingblock therein. [20] They that fear the Lord, shall find just judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.

[21] A sinful man will flee reproof, and will find an excuse according to his will. [22] A man of counsel will not neglect understanding, a strange and proud man will not dread fear: [23] Even after he hath done with fear without counsel, he shall be controlled by the things of his own seeking. [24] My son, do thou nothing without counsel, and thou shalt not repent when thou hast done. [25] Go not in the way of ruin, and thou shalt not stumble against the stones; trust not thyself to a rugged way, lest thou set a stumblingblock to thy soul.

[26] And beware of thy own children, and take heed of them of thy household. [27] In every work of thine regard thy soul in faith: for this is the keeping of the commandments. [28] He that believeth God, taketh heed to the commandments: and he that trusteth in him, shall fare never the worse.

[27] "In faith": That is, follow sincerely thy soul in her faith and conscience.