We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment.
The learned are envied by the foolish; rich men by the poor; chaste women by adulteresses; and beautiful ladies by ugly ones.
Those born blind cannot see; similarly blind are those in the grip of lust. Proud men have no perception of evil; and those bent on acquiring riches see no sin in their actions.
Low class men desire wealth; middle class men both wealth and respect; but the noble, honour only; hence honour is the noble man's true wealth.
How well you treat the wicked people, they don't give up their wickedness. They derive pleasure in hurting others. A serpent made to drink milk, it ejects poison only.
Eschew wicked company and associate with saintly persons. Acquire virtue day and night, and always meditate on that which is eternal, forgetting that which is temporary.
