1. Man collects while time disperses
And continues mending while calamities tear apart

2. And it is better for him to make an enemy of a reasonable man
Than to have a stupid friend

3. So refrain from befriending a fool
For a friend confirms a friend

4. The weight of words when you speak
Reveals the minds of those with sound minds

5. And of men when their morals are equal
Who is consulted when asked gives thought

6. Until he reflects with his whole heart
And sees and knows what to say and speaks

7. With that every absolute matter is confirmed
And with that every confirmed matter is absolved

8. I do not wish you to remain lost in exile
For the exile is struck by every arrow

9. People are but two kinds: one has died of thirst
While the other drowns

10. And if a man is stung once by a snake
It leaves him when he pulls the rope apart

11. And people seek livelihood, and only
Through effort are those sustained who are sustained

12. If people were sustained according to their minds
I would find most whom you see giving charity

13. But it is the King’s grace upon them
Expansive upon some and narrow upon others

14. And when the funeral and the bride meet
And you see the tears of grieving flowing

15. Those who followed the bride fell silent in reverence
While those who followed the casket spoke

16. The first passed while they say, lying
And the first passed while they say, truthful

17. When the perceptive ponders, he can barely
Fail to see the most proper of matters

18. There multifaceted truth branches out
And your hands rise to every intricate matter

19. And when you consult the wise, the best of them
Is the most compassionate in consultation

20. If a thousand heavily laden camels traveled in need
None would fulfil it but the gentle one

21. Gentleness suits the resident
And when traveling, gentleness is most suited