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The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep

From the translation by Battiscombe G. Gunn

The Instruction of the Governor of his City, the Vizier, Ptah-Hotep, in the Reign of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Isosi, living forever, to the end of Time.

The Governor of his City, the Vizier, Ptah-Hotep, he said: 'O Prince, my Lord, the end of life is at hand; old age descends [upon me]; feebleness comes, and childishness is renewed. He [that is old] lies down in misery every day. The eyes are small; the ears are deaf. Energy is diminished, the heart has no rest. The mouth is silent, and he speaks no word; the heart stops, and he remembers not yesterday. The bones are painful throughout the body; good turns unto evil. All taste departs. These things does old age for mankind, being evil in all things. The nose is stopped, and he breathes not for weakness, whether standing or sitting.

Command me, your servant, therefore, to make over my princely authority [to my son]. Let me speak unto him the words of them that hearken to the counsel of the men of old time; those that hearkened unto the gods. I pray you, let this thing be done, that sin may be banished from among persons of understanding, that you may enlighten the lands.

Said the Majesty of this God [the King]: 'Instruct him, then, in the words of old time. May he be a wonder unto the children of princes, that they may enter and learn with him. Make straight all their hearts; and speak with him, without causing weariness.'

Here begin the proverbs of fair speech, spoken by the Hereditary Chief, the High Priest, Beloved of the God, the Eldest Son of the King, of his body, the Governor of his City, the Vizier, Ptah-Hotep, when instructing the ignorant in the knowledge of exactness in fair-speaking; the glory of him that obeys, the shame of him that transgress.

The wisdom of Ptah-Hotep (click items below):

1. Take No False Pride In Education
2. Rules for Courteous Debate
3. Set a Good Example
4. Follow the Path of Truth
5. Obey the Law
6. Be Kind and Receive Kindness in Return
7. Proper Etiquette as a Guest
8. Be a True Emissary
9. Be Industrious, Fair to Your Neighbors and Pay Your Taxes
10. The Blessing of Children
11. Honor the Advancement of Others and Serve a Wise Man
12. Work Hard, Be Not Slothful
13. Take Time to Refresh Your Spirit
14. Guidance and Vigilance are Needed to Raise a Good Son
15. Guide to Conduct within the Council Chamber
16. Love Your Neighbor and You will Prosper
17. Selfish Indulgence Leads to Ruin
18. Your Prince May Keep His Own Counsel
19. Advice to Leaders
20. Beware of Consorting with Women
21. Beware of Those Who Lead Evil Lives
22. Be Not Covetous in Your Family
23. Be Not Covetous with Your Neighbors
24. Cherish Your Wife
25. On Hired Servants
26. Do Not Gossip
27. Do Not Steal
28. Offer Your Opinion Sparingly
29. Proper Conduct for the Powerful
30. Be Moderate in All Things
31. Be Compassionate and Make Your Peace after Quarreling
32. The Role of the Tutor to the Son of the Master
33. Be a Fair Mediator Between the Noble and the Multitude
34. Forgive and Do Not Seek Gratitude for it
35. Success is the Gift of the Gods
36. Propitiate Your Boss
37. Cherish Friends and Tenants
38. How to Speak as a True Friend
39. Live Joyfully and Cause No Strife
40. Guard Your Reputation
41. Correct and Instruct
42. Treat Women with Compassion
43. Do These Things and Prosper
44. On Being an Obedient Son
45. Let a Son Heed his Father and Instruct his Son
46. A Fool Does not Obey and Does not Listen to Wisdom
47. Pass Down the Wisdom to the Generations
48. Be Prudent with Advice
49. A Good Son is the Gift of the God
50. Go and Prosper in the Service of the King