In the race for wealth, a neighbor tries to outdo his neighbor, but this strife is good for men. For the potter envies potter, and the carpenter the carpenter, and the beggar rivals the beggar, and the singer the singer.

He is senseless who would match himself against a stronger man; for he is deprived of victory and adds suffering to disgrace.

Whoever, fleeing marriage and the sorrows that women cause, does not wish to wed comes to a deadly old age.

He's only harming himself who's bent upon harming another

Often even a whole city suffers for a bad man who sins and contrives presumptuous deeds.

Gossip and rumor are evil; easy to lift up, heavy to carry, and hard to put down again.

An evil plan does mischief to the planner.