1. My head has turned white, yet greed still hasn't aged.
The one greedy for this life is always in anguish.

2. Why do I see myself seeking status,
Then when I attain it my eyes yearn for more.

3. Given my morals, it would befit me
Not to delve into matters that would disgrace me.

4. If this life believed me in its thoughts,
My troubles and burdens wouldn't have intensified.

5. I struggle and exhaust myself for what I cannot attain,
While death tires my body and nerves.

6. By God, how many homes have I passed by
That were once filled with pleasures and joy.

7. But the wings of death flew around their corners,
And afterwards they became places of ruin and war.

8. So restrain yourself, do not let hope misguide you,
By your life, livelihoods are not obtained through seeking.

9. A servant may be granted sustenance without tiring his mounts,
And sustenance may be denied one who does not desist from seeking.

10. And though I find the people agree on one thing:
Livelihood and comfort go hand in hand with endeavor.

11. And it's a plan devoid of wealthy splendor:
Sustenance is the finest thing for people of morals.

12. O wise one, how often have you seen a fool
Whom sustenance has stripped bare like scabies?