Respect the gods, but have as little to do with them as possible.

There are those men who say to repay evil with kindness. But I say, how then are we to repay kindness? Repay kindness with kindness, but repay evil with justice.

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.

Do not let a leader lead you on a bad path.

There are three friendships which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Friendship with the upright; friendship with the sincere; and friendship with the man of much observation: these are advantageous. Friendship with the man of specious airs; friendship with the insinuatingly soft; and friendship with the glib-tongued: these are injurious.

Even four harnessed horses cannot bring imprudent words back into the mouth.