What is a king’s best body-guard? Mercy and faithfulness; on mercy his throne rests.
Hurts that bruise cruelly, chastisement felt deep within, are sin’s best remedy.
War must be planned first, before thou wage it, and he will prosper best who most takes counsel;
To enjoy his life, to make the best of it, beyond doubt this is man’s highest employment;
So I became aware that it is best for man to busy himself here to his own content; this and nothing else is his allotted portion; who can show him what the future will bring?
When thou standest in God’s presence, do not pour out with rash haste all that is in thy heart. God sees as heaven sees, thou as earth; few words are best.
What need for man to ask questions that are beyond his scope? There is no knowing how best his life should be spent, this brief pilgrimage that passes like a shadow, and is gone. And what will befall after his death, in this world beneath the sun, who can tell?
If discernment thou hast, give thy neighbour his answer; if none, tongue held is best, or some ill-advised word will shame thee;
Make her thy whole heart’s quest, follow, as best thou canst, the path she makes known to thee;
Consider, as best thou mayest, thy company; be wise and prudent men thy counsellors;
Like to like is nature’s rule, and for man like to like is still the best partnership;
here is one that bows and scrapes, and walks with bent head, feigning not to see what is best left unnoticed,
Warning she gives to after ages that God’s fear is best, nor sweeter lot is any than the divine law well observed.
best cut away the ill growth from thy flesh; she will ever be taking advantage of thee.
Health is best wealth; no comfort wilt thou find like a merry heart.
Be on thy guard, then, against him who advises thee; how is his own turn best served? What is his secret mind?
And thy own heart enthrone as thy best counsellor; nothing may compare with that;
Children born, and a city founded, will bring thee a great name; best of all, a woman without spot.
Wine and music make heart glad; best of all, the love of wisdom.
Flute and harp make sweet melody; best of all a kindly tongue.