The Instructions of Ptah-Hotep
Pass Down the Wisdom to the Generations
A son that hearkens is as a Follower of Horus. He is good after he hearkens; he grows old, he reaches honor and reverence. He repeats in like manner to his sons and daughters, so renewing the instruction of his father. Each man instructs as did his begetter, repeating it unto his children. Let them [in turn] speak with their sons and daughters, that they may be famous in their deeds. Let that which you speaks implant true things and just in the life of your children. Then the highest authority shall arrive, and sins depart [from them]. And such men as see these things shall say, 'Surely that man has spoken, to good purpose,' and they shall do likewise; or, 'But surely that man was experienced! And all people shall declare, ' It is they that shall direct the multitude ; dignities are not complete without them.'
Take not any word away, neither add one; set not one in the place of another. Beware of opening . . . in yourself.
Be wary of speech when a learned man hearkens unto you; desire to be established for good in the mouth of those that hear you speaking. If you have entered as an expert, speak with exact lips, that your conduct may be seemly.
