Papyrus section 14

(14.1) A woman is a hidden snare. Do not embrace what belongs to another; do not let your heart go after her.

(14.2) A brief moment, like a dream—and death comes through knowing her. It is a brief moment of the heart’s fevered churning.

(14.3) If he knows it, he will contend with the one who disclosed it; hard is the lot of a messenger who brings such things into a household.

(14.4) Let your steps go on; govern your speech. Woman and child alike may become hostile to one who knows.

(14.5) A fool plunges into the water headfirst; what he sees confounds him. There is no cooling for what is in his body, and his own mouth consumes him.

(14.6) When you see the fool, his flood surges in his belly; his heart strips him bare, and his own hand brings judgment upon him.

(14.7) Speak no word of contention to the violent man. Turn away from him and let him go; when his eye perceives your restraint, his grasp will slacken.

(14.8) For one brief moment your excellence may remain secure; but his violence is a dream, and death is reached through the turmoil of his heart.

(14.9) At the moment of speaking, act uprightly. If a matter is placed in his hand, let him see it plainly; do not let anger seize your face.

(14.10) Do not contend with one greater than you. He is occupied with weighty business; let what is to be said to him be spoken in answer.

(14.11) Answer at the proper moment; do not forget yourself on the road before him or amid the king’s festivities.

(14.12) His speech will remain in its place; do not trespass in the king’s affairs. The sun rises over you, and tomorrow is not yours.

(14.13) If speech is made in the council chamber, it is weighed and carried away; it is not something to be scattered abroad.

(14.1) A household of quarreling men and women is in turmoil. If you provoke strife, your property will not remain with you.

(14.2) The one who speaks against him becomes hostile to you and to your affairs. It is a choking of the heart, a staggering departure.

(14.3) If you are prosperous, establish your household and love your wife at home as is fitting.

(14.4) Fill her belly, clothe her back; ointment is the remedy for her body.

(14.5) Gladden her heart as long as you live. She is a fruitful field for her lord, and she will listen to his counsel.

(14.6) Do not contend with her; keep her from taking control. Her eye is her storm: watch it, and you will make her remain in your house.

(14.7) If you want friendship to endure, in a house you enter as master, brother, or friend, wherever you go,

(14.8) keep away from the women. The place where that is done cannot be good; a man is never wise when he intrudes upon them.

(14.9) A thousand men are turned away from what benefits them. One brief moment, like a dream, and death is reached through knowing them.

(14.10) As for the king’s companion, he is great through self-command; he is raised up by knowledge, and speech is entrusted to him.

(14.11) He answers a matter without hesitation and does not turn away from it in foolishness; the king’s favor makes him soar.

(14.12) His conduct is measured, and no fault is found in him. The king’s favor is upon you; may your lifetime be long and your years many.

(14.13) If you rise from poverty and advance after having been needy, and possessions have been brought to you after deprivation,