94
All men should wish rather for virtue than for wealth, which is dangerous to the foolish, since vice is increased by riches. And in proportion as any one is foolish, he becomes the more profuse, through having the means of gratifying his passion for pleasure.
95
What ought not to be done, do not even think of doing.
96
Deliberate much before you speak or act; for what is once said or done you cannot recall.
97
Every place is safe to him who dwells with justice.
98
Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when they are no longer of any use. But flatterers destroy the souls of the living by blinding their eyes.
99
The anger of a monkey and the threats of a flatterer deserve equal regard.
100
Kindly receive those who are willing to give good advice, but not those who upon every occasion are eager to flatter. For the former truly see what is advantageous; but the latter consider only the opinions of their superiors, and imitate the shadows of bodies, nodding assent to what they say.
101
An adviser ought, in the first place, to have a regard to the delicacy and sense of shame of the person admonished. For they who are beyond blushing are incorrigible.
102
It is better to advise than reproach; for the one is mild and friendly, the other stern and severe; the one corrects the erring, the other only convicts them.
103
Impart to strangers and persons in need according to your ability. For he who gives nothing to the needy shall receive nothing in his own need.
104
A person once brought clothes to a pirate, who had been cast ashore, and almost killed by the severity of the weather; then carried him to his house, and furnished him with all necessaries. Being reproached by some one for doing good to the evil, I have paid this regard, answered he, not to the man, but to humanity.
105
We ought not to choose every pleasure, but that whose end is good.
106
It belongs to a wise man to resist pleasure, and to a fool to be enslaved by it.
107
In all vice, pleasure, being presented like a bait, draws sensual minds to the hook of perdition.
