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.

There is also an evil report; light, indeed, and easy to raise, but difficult to carry, and still more difficult to get rid of.

How easily some light report is set about, but how difficult to bear.

Hunger is an altogether fit companion for the idle man.

Men must sweat to attain virtue.

A sparing tongue is the greatest treasure among men.

The man who procrastinates is always struggling with misfortunes.