Chapter 8

  Strive not with a powerful man, lest thou fall into his hands.  

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  Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against thee.  

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  For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them.  

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  Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.  

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  Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak ill of thy family.  

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  Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof.  

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  Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old.  

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  Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death.  

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  Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.  

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  For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame.  

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  Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers:  

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  For of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.  

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  Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest thou be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins.  

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  Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest he sit as a spy to entrap thee in thy words.  

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  Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself: and if thou lendest, count it as lost.  

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  Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety, think as if thou wert to pay it.  

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  Judge not against a judge: for he judgeth according to that which is just.  

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  Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee with his evils: for he goeth according to his own will, and thou shalt perish together with his folly.  

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  Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow thee.  

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  Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them.  

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  Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.  

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  Open not thy heart to every man: lest he repay thee with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to thee.  

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