Papyrus section 8

(8.1) Wrongdoing is an impediment to its doer in the future; those who hear of it say, “Such is the end of one who strays.”

(8.2) Their abundance comes from the field. If cultivation is undertaken for you within the estate of the Great House, drive off hunger.

(8.3) When you go, let your conduct be sound each day; possession endures only when grasping is absent.

(8.4) The keen eye rests upon the allotment. A scribe records the estate; one who is summoned has his portion, while the greedy man is cast out.

(8.5) What comes from the estate is reckoned according to every plan. Hapy comes by the god’s command, and the household is sustained by what is seen before it.

(8.6) If you are seated among guests in the company of one greater than you, look only at what lies before you; do not pierce him with many glances.

(8.7) Staring is an offense to the ka. Do not speak until he summons you: one does not know what may be unwelcome to his heart.

(8.8) Speak when he addresses you, and what you say will be pleasing. Let the food before you satisfy you.

(8.9) The great man at table conducts himself as his ka commands; his hand reaches out to the one he favors.

(8.10) In the household, his desire is his heart’s affair. He bestows what pleases him; the great man gives to the one who has attained favor.

(8.11) It is the god who advances a man’s station, not the man who forces his own way. Do not let your heart become greedy in your conduct.

(8.12) A fool complains. If you go on a commission for your lord, repeat to him exactly what was said; do not make the matter grievous through distortion.

(8.13) Do not answer with contentious words, nor take your stand as an adversary. Hold fast to the charge entrusted to you; do not add to what was given.

(8.14) Whether he wakes or sleeps, his anger remains upon him. Say only, “I have carried out your commission,” and return without wandering.

(8.1) Hold fast to the truth; do not go beyond it. Yet an angry utterance must not be repeated. Do not report malicious talk—

(8.2) any malicious talk about anyone, great or small. It is something the ka abhors.

(8.3) If you cultivate and growth occurs in the field, with the god making it abundant in your hand,

(8.4) do not boast about it beside your neighbors. Great respect belongs to the silent man.

(8.5) A man of character is a man of wealth. He takes possession like a crocodile, even in the court.

(8.6) Do not assail a man because he has no children; do not blame him for being without them, and do not boast to him about having them.

(8.7) A father may have grief, and a mother who has borne children may be less content than another. It is the solitary man whom the god sustains,

(8.8) while the head of a family prays for someone to succeed him. Follow your heart as long as you live, and do no more than what is required.

(8.9) Do not shorten the time for following your heart. To waste its proper moment is an offense to the ka. Do not consume the day’s time beyond what your household needs.

(8.10) When possessions come, follow your heart; possessions do no good to a weary heart. If you are a worthy man, establish your household and love your wife at home.

(8.11) Fill her belly and clothe her back; ointment is the remedy for her body. Gladden her heart for as long as you live, for she is a fruitful field for her lord.

(8.12) Do not contend with her before a judge. Keep her away from power, and restrain her; her eye is her storm when she looks.

(8.13) Do not drive her away. Let her remain with you; in this way you will make her stay in your house.

(8.14) Satisfy those close to you with what has come to you through the god’s favor.