21. Herds know the hour of their going home and turn there again
from the grass; but there is never found a foolish man who knows the
measure of his stomach.
Most people stop eating when they are full, but foolish people will
continue eating whether they are truly hungry or not.
22. The miserable man and evil minded makes of all things mockery,
and knows not that which he best should know, that he is not free
from faults.
A person that is unhappy often mocks others. He does this to keep his
mind off his own problems.
23. The unwise man is awake all night, and ponders everything over;
when morning comes he is weary in mind, and all is a burden as ever.
It is foolish to worry endlessly about things to the extent that you deprive
yourself of sleep. The problem does not go away and in the morning you
still must attempt to solve it but are now physically and mentally
exhausted.
24. The unwise man believes all who smile and flatter him are his
friends, never noticing how often they speak ill of him when he sits in
the circle of the wise.
It is foolish not to cross examine the way people act around you because if
you don’t, you’ll never be able to tell if they truly respect you.
25. The unwise man believes all who smile and flatter him are his
friends; but when he shall come into court he shall find there are few
to defend his cause.
You will never find people who support you in any task you set yourself
as long as you remain friends with those who mock you.
26. The unwise man thinks he knows all, while he sits in a sheltered
nook; but he knows not one thing, what he shall answer, if men shall
put him to proof.
Only a fool believes he knows everything. Anyone arrogant enough to
believe this to the extent that they refuse to study only makes him\herself
look foolish if questioned by others.
27. For the unwise man it is best to be mute when he comes amid the
crowd, for none is aware of his lack of wit if he wastes not too many
words; for he who lacks wit shall never learn though his words flow
never so fast.
Ignorant people should keep quiet. Speaking of things you cannot prove
simply makes you look foolish.
28. Wise he is deemed who can question well, and also answer back:
the sons of men can no secret make of the tidings told in their midst.
When questioning and being questioned by others, do both publicly. That
way you know that your teachings are not being confused by others and
they can see that you are learning as well.
29. Too many unstable words are spoken by him who never holds his
peace; the hasty tongue sings its own mishap if it be not bridled in.
A person that speaks excessively often makes mistakes in what they say
and reveals their own foolishness.
30. Let no man be held as a laughing-stock, though he comes as guest
for a meal: wise enough seem many while they sit dry-skinned and are
not put to proof.
Do not mock people that are silent. A silent person may know more than
he says and is often believed to be wise.