FEAR God in righteousness and meekness, and let thy fear be whole and beautiful; and should thy heart beguile thee to mount on high, raising and exalting itself in pride, remember the steps of its birth whereby it came into existence, to reverse which availeth not.

Should man, calling to mind the way of his entry into the world at birth, boast himself? Surely when he realises the days of his life, and remembers his toil therein, will not his heart grow weary when he remembereth that in the end his couch will be of worms, even though he may soar and mount on high?

Know that meekness conquers the wrath of man, which rises to overwhelm him; it stills a king's anger, making his will like the dew upon the herb. How soon the cold stream will still the seething kettle, even though its smoke has risen!

Wouldst thou boast thyself, would thy heart be exalted on the day when thou clothest thyself in the change of the raiment of power and pride; wouldst thou glory in thy stupid pride, so that thou shalt have a greater measure of glory and conceit? Then call to mind the day in which naked and bare thou shalt lie upon the dust, and become the object of lament.

Wouldst thou raise up thy head to carry the crown and diadem of pride with a name of praise, understand, that the God who alone is clothed in the garment of excellency, unto whom alone greatness belongeth, bringeth low unto dust the high, and raiseth on high those who are low.

Know that by meekness thou shalt stand upon the strong fort, upon the rocky crag and cliff; and if thy heart dwell in lowliness within thee, thy dwelling shall be in the topmost station without. See how oil, smooth in itself, rises to the surface, and is used for the anointing of kings and princes!

Is that man wise who sees his heart ascending in the heights of pride? He will not bear with the disposition of meaner men, how then will they endure his senseless folly? Will he not dwell alone as the leper without friends, covered up to the upper lip?

Will the man of pride escape by his greatness, by the boldness of his heart which is exalted on high? Verily he breaks the upper beam of the door of his house, when he lifts up his head, and draws himself up straight. Will the citadel and high tower stand firm, which is built in dust or unburnt brick?

Be lowly in thine own sight, and thou shalt be high in the sight of others, and there will be hope when thou art in distress (or, and there will be no hope to thine enemy). As for the reviling curse of a man, bear it with meekness and lowliness; in its passing, it will not come unto thee. Thou wilt bend low thy head in face of sling-stones; and as for dart and spear, they will miss their mark.

Know, too, that meekness will aid thee, even though they who fight against thee increase in strength; therefore humble thyself, rather than be humbled at the hand of those who rise up against thee. By its merit shall thy horn be exalted in glory, and thy step shall never slip.