51. Fiercer than fire among ill friends for five days love will burn;
then it ends when the sixth day comes, and all friendship soon is
spoiled.
People can pretend to like each other, but both parties quickly tire of each
other if the friendship is not true.
52. Not great things alone must one give to another, praise often is
earned for nothing; with half a loaf and a tilted bowl I have found me
many a friend.
You can win true friendship with kindness, even if you have nothing else.
53. Little the sand if little the seas, little are minds of men, for never in
the world were all equally wise. Wisdom is shared by the fools and the
sage.
There are people everywhere who have learned a little. Choose what to
accept and what to discard from each person you meet.
54. Wise in measure should each man be; but let him not grow too
wise; for never the happiest of men is he who knows much of many
things.
People should learn what they please, but not try to learn everything all at
once. People are seldom happy with knowledge they cannot use.
55. Wise in measure should each man be; but let him not grow too
wise; seldom a heart will sing with joy if the owner is too wise.
People should learn what they please, but not try to learn everything all at
once. Most people are not happy with information they cannot use.
56. Wise in measure should each man be, but never let him grow too
wise: who looks not forward to learn his fate, unburdened his heart
will bear.
People should learn what they please, but not try to learn everything all at
once. A person who lives for the moment is often happier then one who
constantly worries about his future.
57. Brand kindles from brand until it be burned, spark is kindled
from spark; man unfolds him by speech with man, but grows over
secret through silence.
Only by talking with others can you make friends. If you don’t talk with
others, you run the risk of becoming afraid to trust people. You will also
find it difficult to express yourself in public.
58. He must rise betimes who fain of another or life or wealth would
win; scarce falls the prey to sleeping wolves, or to slackers victory in
strife.
The earlier you start to work for something you are seeking, the better
your chances of getting it.
59. He must rise betimes who hath few to serve him, and see to his
work himself; who sleeps at morning is hindered much, to the keen is
wealth half-won.
If you must work to earn a living, it would be best to get an early start.
The people who get the most out of their work are the early risers.
60. Of dry logs saved and roof-bark stored a man can know the
measure, of firewood too which should last him out quarter and half
years to come.
You should plan for your future survival and take steps to insure it.