Do not be overly joyous. Remember that life is fleeting. You are descendant of Adam, the first man, who was created from dust, and in the end you will be consumed by worms.

Do not say regarding any Mitzva, “I will do it tomorrow” lest you not have the time or opportunity to do so then.

Do not separate yourself from learning Torah wisdom and ethics. Allow yourself to be covered with the dust of the feet of the Sages by following in their footsteps, and you, too, will become wise.

Never stop performing acts of loving-kindness³ even though others mock you for this. Never be ashamed to perform a Mitzvah.

footnotes: ³ Alternatively, “Do not stop in the middle of performing an act of loving-kindness because someone is mocking you”.

Do not clench tight your fist and desist from always giving to the poor and indigent. Never turn from helping your relatives making like you don’t know them.

Rush to prepare food for them immediately, they may be ravenous.

Do not tarry in bringing a tithe to the communal kitchen. The act of bringing charity in secret checks God’s anger against you.

Do not look up to those who are lesser than you in their Service of God or their Awe of Heaven. Rather, set your eyes on those who are greater than you in these affairs.

Never raise a hand against your fellow man, even were he to curse your mother or father to your face.

Never speak evil or slanderously about anyone. Never be contentious or spread lies about other people.

Do not overreact and respond hastily and vehemently to someone who speaks bad things.

Do not scream and yell like a wild, boorish person, for by so doing you will lose your Fear of Heaven. Do not speak so loudly at home that your voice can be heard outside of your house. Do not bellow like an animal. Always speak gently.

Never humiliate anyone in public for one who does so has no portion in the World to Come.

Never bully anyone because you are stronger than him. Remember, there may come a time when you will be the weak one.

Never pursue honor or authority. Never aspire to heights beyond your capabilities⁴.

footnotes: ⁴ Literally, what you deserve.

Never compel people to honor you because of your wealth or powerful position. Someone might resent this and will try to disgrace you or cause your downfall in return.

Never let up in your pursuit of making new friends and supporters. Do not take lightly even one enemy.

Do not consider lightly something your friend acquired, for this will upset him and cause him consternation. To do so is the manner of fools.

Never say, “God has made me rich because of my righteousness”. Rather, be worried that you have received your reward in this World, and not in the World to Come⁵.

footnotes: ⁵ Where the rewards are greater.

Do not cause your fellow man to turn from the good way to a bad one, like those who entice and seduce people from the worship of God.

Do not be a gourmand and stuff your belly with food, for many illnesses result from overeating.

Do not socialize with people who devour wine or are gluttonous carnivores lest you forget your Maker and make yourself ill or become sinful.

Do not terrorize your family and household for many serious failings result from such behavior.

Never be alone in a room with any woman other than your wife, mother or daughter, and even if there are two women with you. Never look at women or their clothing.

Never praise a woman for her beauty or her good deeds lest others suspect her of immorality⁶.

footnotes: ⁶ Literally, “and others will come and praise her”. That language is difficult. Rabbi Reuven Melamed in the name of Rabbi E. Lapian says that this text is a printer’s error and should read, “and others will come to desire her.”

Do not venerate yourself nor make yourself precious in your own eyes. Rather, underrate yourself.

Act patiently. Do your work with forethought and not hastily.

Even regarding matters which are beneficial and not damaging, talk succinctly. Speak to the point.

Perpetually make efforts to acquire and maintain a faithful friend. Good friends are most beneficial.