FEAR God, and have shame for thyself rather than sin; do well, and act straight; for when thou clothest thyself in the garb and veil of shame, thou wilt be God-fearing, and shalt be happy for ever; thereby shalt thou be able to cover up human failing, and thereby is man considered righteous and upright.

Is it good for thee that thou sufferest others to put thee to shame, whilst thou thyself findest thy actions blameworthy and reproachful? Would it not be better if thou wert to set the eyes of thy heart as a watch-tower over all thy paths:? Why shouldst thou close thine eyes as the blind, and not be ashamed of thy open nakedness?

Wouldst thou oppose thy forehead firm as brass, whilst thou art despicable in the eyes of all, and carry thy shame upon thy brow to thine own disgrace as thy fiercest foe? Having no sense of shame, art thou willing to become changed into a fool and insolent one?

Yet thou needst have no fear of shame, when with the wise thou dost consort, to inquire of them what thou knowest not, though they be junior to thee in age; for they will teach thee what is truly right. Great indeed would be thy shame, should they once question thee, and thou wouldst have to say, "I've heard it not"; "I've forgotten it."

Fear God, and be ashamed in His presence, and be afraid of His fierce anger. How canst thou be ashamed of the verdict which man will pass upon thy actions, lest thou be lightly esteemed in his sight, and not be ashamed before God, before Whom all thy secret acts are revealed?