“How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge?

Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
love her, and she will guard you.

A loving doe, a graceful fawn—
let her breasts always satisfy you;
be lost in her love forever.

Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning.
Let’s feast on each other’s love!

I love those who love me,
and those who search for me find me.

giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

but the one who misses me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.”

Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.

A poor man is hated even by his neighbor,
but there are many who love the rich.

A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;
he will not consult the wise.

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox with hatred.

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat.

The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Better an open reprimand
than concealed love.