Much talking is the cause of danger. Silence is the means of avoiding misfortune. The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage. Other birds, without speech, fly freely about.

When many work together for a goal, Great things may be accomplished. It is said a lion cub was killed By a single colony of ants.

If one is intelligent and applies himself well, what can he not accomplish? Even small bands of people, I have heard, have defeated whole armies.

With gifts, you may gather your enemies about you. When giving nothing, even your own family will leave.

It may be doubtful, at first, whether a person is an enemy or friend. Meat, if not properly digested, becomes poison; But poison, if used rightly, may turn medicinal.

Much talking is the cause of danger. Silence is the means of avoiding misfortune. The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage. Other birds, without speech, fly freely about.

Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, has its flame drawn upwards.