Part 56

So look not on wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, And glides down smoothly. At last it bites like a snake, And stings like an adder.

Then you will see strange things, And your mind will be confused. You will be like one sleeping at sea, Like one asleep in a violent storm. "I have been struck, but I feel no pain; I have been beaten, but I know it not. When shall I awake from my wine? I will seek it yet again."

THE RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE

Do you see a man who speaks before he thinks? There is more hope for a fool than for him. He who answers before he hears Covers himself with confusion.

He who is sparing of words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of sense. Even a fool, if he keeps still, is considered wise; Prudent, if he keeps his lips shut.

He who guards his mouth and tongue Guards himself against trouble. Life and death are in the power of the tongue; They who are fond of using it must eat its fruit.

A man has joy from the utterance of his mouth, And a word in season, how good it is! A word fitly spoken Is like golden fruit in silver settings. Pleasant words are like honeycomb, Sweet to the taste and healing to the body.

THE CONTROL OF THE TEMPER

A mild answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

A man without self-control Is a ruined city whose wall is broken. A fool gives way to his wrath, But a wise man restrains his anger. A fool's anger is known at once, But a sensible man heeds not an insult.

A man's wisdom makes him patient, It is his glory to overlook faults. He who is patient is better than a warrior, And he who rules his temper than he who takes a city.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MODEST

Do not boast what you will do to-morrow, For you know not what a day may bring forth. Do you see a man wise in his own opinion? There is more hope for a fool than for him!

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, But with the modest is wisdom.

It is not good to eat much honey; But to seek the glory of others is glorious. Let another man praise you, not your own mouth; Some other, and not your own lips.

BEING GENEROUS AND LOVING

He who returns evil for good, From his house evil shall not depart.

It is an honor for a man to avoid strife; Only a fool is quarrelsome. Charcoal for embers, and wood for fire, And a quarrelsome man to kindle strife!

Strive not with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water; Therefore leave off strife before quarrelling begins. Better a dry crust with quietness Than a house full of feasting with strife.

A just man regards the life of his beast, But the heart of the wicked is cruel.

He who oppresses the poor reviles his Maker, But he who has pity on the needy honors him. He who listens not to the cry of the poor, He also shall call and not be answered. He who pities the poor, lends to the Lord And he will repay him for his good deed.

If your enemy hungers, give him food; If he thirsts, give him water to drink; For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.

Hatred stirs up strife, But love overlooks faults. Better a meal of herbs where love is, Than a fatted ox with hate.

Let not love and truth leave you, Bind them about your neck; So you will enjoy favor and a good reputation In the sight of God and man.

THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Nativity

Painted by W. L. Taylor]