A wise man should marry a virgin of a respectable family even if she is deformed. He should not marry one of a low-class family, through beauty. Marriage in a family of equal status is preferable. |
A wise man should not divulge the formula of a medicine which he has well prepared; an act of charity which he has performed; domestic conflicts; private affairs with his wife; poorly prepared food he may have been offered; or slang he may have heard. |
A wise man should not reveal his loss of wealth, the vexation of his mind, the misconduct of his own wife, base words spoken by others, and disgrace that has befallen him. |
A woman does not become holy by offering by charity, by observing hundreds of fasts, or by sipping sacred water, as by sipping the water used to wash her husbands feet. |
Accumulated wealth is saved by spending just as incoming fresh water is saved by letting out stagnant water. |
All the creatures are pleased by loving words; and therefore we should address words that are pleasing to all, for there is no lack of sweet words. |
Although an ass is tired, he continues to carry his burden; he is unmindful of cold and heat; and he is always contented; these three things should be learned from the ass. |
Among men the barber is cunning; among birds the crow; among beasts the jackal; and among women, the malin (flower girl). |
As a calf follows its mother among a thousand cows, so the (good or bad) deeds of a man follow him. |
As a single withered tree, if set aflame, causes a whole forest to burn, so does a rascal son destroy a whole family. |
As a whole forest becomes fragrant by the existence of a single tree with sweet-smelling blossoms in it, so a family becomes famous by the birth of a virtuous son. |
As gold is tested in four ways by rubbing, cutting, heating and beating -- so a man should be tested by these four things: his renunciation, his conduct, his qualities and his actions. |
As is the desire of Providence, so functions one's intellect; one's activities are also controlled by Providence; and by the will of Providence one is surrounded by helpers. |
As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is distant, try to save your soul; when death is immanent what can you do? |
As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it. |