It is safer to be silent than to reveal one's secret to any one, and telling him not to mention it.

Liberty is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it. Be assured that men most commonly seek to oblige thee only that they may engage thee to serve them.

If thou tellest the sorrows of thy heart, let it be to him in whose countenance thou mayst be assured of prompt consolation.

But for the cravings of the belly not a bird would have fallen into the snare; nay, nay, the fowler would not have spread his net. The belly is chains to the hands and fetters to the feet. He who is a slave to his belly seldom worships God.

Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become and enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.

The whelp of a wolf must prove a wolf at last, notwithstanding he may be brought up by a man.

If thou art of elephant-strength or of lion-claw, still peace is, in my opinion, better than strife.