1 If thou sit to sup at the table of a prince, consider attentively the things set before thee: 2 and apply thine hand, knowing that it behoves thee to prepare such meats: but if thou art very insatiable, 3 desire not his provisions; for these belong to a false life.
4 If thou art poor, measure not thyself with a rich man; but refrain thyself in thy wisdom. 5 If thou shouldest fix thine eye upon him, he will disappear; for wings like an eagle’s are prepared for him, and he returns to the house of his master. 6 Sup not with an envious man, neither desire thou his meats: 7 so he eats and drinks as if any one should swallow a hair, and do not bring him in to thyself, nor eat thy morsel with him: 8 for he will vomit it up, and spoil thy fair words.
9 Say nothing in the ears of a fool, lest at any time he sneer at they wise words. 10 Remove not the ancient landmarks; and enter not upon the possession of the fatherless: