FEAR God, and cast thy burden upon Him, and put not thy strength in thy substance; for why shouldst thou be anxious to acquire worry and much toil in consequence of thy wealth? Remember, there comes a day when thou must leave it, however much it may be—the day when "the wind passeth over thee, and thou art gone."

Acquire according to what you require, and honestly too; for why weary and worry yourself with that which is beyond your requirements? For this you are so keen; it is not your allotment; why should you break into it? All the share that you get is the labour; the remainder is left to him who is a stranger to it.

Wouldst thou be confident because thy wealth is great, even though thou didst not obtain it honestly? Why not rather think of the day at thy latter end, when thou shalt have to give to strangers that which thou hast gotten? Thus shalt thou be "like a partridge which hatcheth, but bringeth not forth in pain."

A man who is busy labouring and toiling to gather riches and to gain possessions, and is not satisfied the greater and richer he becomes—this one desire of his heart engrossing his whole being, is like a thirsty man who drinks salted things, thus increasing his thirst to his own discomfort.

Do you stare at fools who mount on high, and marvel when they triumph with their wealth? Does your heart mislead you, as you regard what seems their permanent power and influence, and their prosperous state? Then open your eyes, and see ahead the thick clouds gathering, and the storm passing over them, and they are no more.

The fool, when he dresses in fine style, thinks to himself that he is sure to win favour, and presumes in his passion to enter high society, being devoid of prudence; but he is as the peacock, glorying in its beautiful feathers, while revealing its shame and reproach.

If a man be clever, and his knowledge burn as a fire within him, why should you lay stress on his beautiful apparel? For when night cometh, he divests himself thereof, and you would not be ashamed to have respect for his frame. Choose of the nut the kernel, and cast away the husk and shell.

See the superiority of the wise over fools, even though the treasures of the latter increase and multiply. The wise possess honour in their lifetime, and leave a good name as a memorial at their death; while, when their end comes, both the remembrance and the glory of fools are the same as their beasts.

See, when the wise man disputes and contends with a fool, he has annoyance and disturbed peace, and is made the object of scorn. The discussions of the wise are conducted quietly and pleasantly, whilst the shameful noise of the fool is heard from afar. Would that one could write down in a book and cut out and engrave on a rock for ever (the words of the wise)!

The fool exclaims in his impudent folly: "Thanks to my intelligence, knowledge, and common sense, thanks also to my own powers and abilities, I have been able to amass a fine amount of riches and every desirable object; I am able to obtain every wish of my heart by means of my wealth; and as for myself, pocket and knowledge are synonymous terms."

The wise man speaks: "Hearken unto the Law and the Commandment, so that thou mayest find discipline and wisdom; for by these means thou wilt be able to fulfil thy desires, and wilt not be in want of anything. Where is there wealth comparable in worth to that of Wisdom, and what object is as desirable as Prudence?"

The fool clothes himself in garments of every dye and texture. When persons in high stations, kings, and princes, see him, they rise, and bow down low before him. Must not the wise man feel abashed when he sitteth, clothed in rags, deliberating in the assembly?

The fool carries all his greatness in the clothes on his back; and when he takes them off, he at the same time divests himself of all his glory. If then he be like an ass carrying burdens, will the name of ass be ever taken off from him? But the wise, being precise as to his clothing, never while he lives loses the respect due to him.

The fool will have dainty dishes and rich drinks, the choicest of fare; whatever is in season is prepared for him, one meal after another, day by day; but as for the man of knowledge, can he satisfy his hunger and dine off his knowledge, without bread and meat?

Fools eat their bread in wickedness, perfectly at ease, and drink the wine of violence, opening their mouth wide as the grave, while they are never full, hungry for more cupboards; but as for wisdom, it keeps its professors alive without choice foods and wines.

Behold, all ye inhabitants of the world, hearken, and judge in righteousness and equity, to interpret (justice) with much wisdom, which is better than rubies, great riches, and substance! A man may obtain wealth by wisdom, but he cannot obtain wisdom by wealth.

Obtain money, but honestly and uprightly, in order to supply the necessaries of life. Investigate and find out what are the limits of thy household requirements; for why shouldst thou labour for thousands and tens of thousands (of pounds)? Of thy surplus give a portion to thy soul (i.e., to spiritual needs), and await the mercies and bounties of the Lord.