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7 The Behaviour and the Actions of the Sage
As for you, teach your disciple the words of tradition. May he act as a model for the children of the great, That they may find in him the understanding and justice of every heart that speaks to him, Since man is not born wise. Ptah-Hotep
I have seen the transformation of the divine principle of the two regions of light on the secret roads of heaven. The divine light itself speaks through me. I was bathed in its radiance and fully nourished by divine wisdom. Inscription of Thuthmosis III at Karnak
The Sage himself is a teaching for the great. Merikare
Everyone can master his own nature if the wisdom which he has been taught has made that nature stable. Ani
I am silent in the face of anger, A patient man with the ignorant, Liking to calm quarrels, I am tranquil, free from impulses, Who knows what is ordained to happen and awaits it serenely. I am the one who shows himself in conflicts, And who knows (the better to avoid them) the words which provoke anger. I am master of myself, I am kind and friendly, I calm those who weep with words of comfort. I have a kindly face for those who call on me, I help my fellow man. I can see through deceit when it occurs, My face radiant, my hand is far reaching, And I do not hold back for myself the food that I have. I am the one who is known for that which is not known, The one who teaches what is useful. I am someone who listens and acts with integrity, And meditates on correctness in my heart. I am someone who carries out his duty, Who stays calm, free from overexcitement, I accomplish deeds without haste, I am reliable and exact, Precise and just like Thoth. My step is firm, My advice excellent, I am a thinker who has taught himself what must be known. Stele of Intef
If you know the wisdom of the Sage you do not attack it, No misfortune happens around him. Merikare
Do not make a Sage intervene in a trivial matter when a more important one awaits. Do not let a fool intervene in an important matter or you will then have to appeal to a Sage. Ankh-Sheshonk
The carrot and the stick are used equally by the wise man. Insinger Papyrus
When a wise man is put to the test he is hardly conscious of his spiritual achievements. Ankh-Sheshonk
He who has been chosen out of the crowd is not automatically a wise man because of that. Ankh-Sheshonk
I have accomplished four perfect acts at the Gates of Heaven. I have created the four winds so that all men can breathe wherever they may find themselves: This is one of my acts. I have created the great annual flood so the poor and rich can benefit equally: this is one of my acts. I have created all men equal but I have never commanded disorder. Their hearts have disobeyed my commands. This is one of my acts. I have made mankind so that their hearts will never forget the West so that they may continue to sacrifice to the Gods: this is one of my acts. Texts of the Sarcophagi, VII
Act for the sake of God and He will act for you. Merikare
Happy are they who heed the words of God, for their plans will never go wrong. Temple of Redeseyeh
Thoth, the God of Knowledge, rewards every act according to its own merit. Petosiris
A just action comes around again since we have been commanded : Act for he who acts So that he is committed to his action. Stories of the Oases
The reward for those who act Is that one will act for them. This is the Law in the heart of God. Inscription of Neferhotep, XII Dynasty
As you act so shall you be treated. To speak a good word is to build a monument. Petosiris
A man in public office must be skilled at this job, in the same way as a well has to be rich in water for it to be drawn upon. Amenemope
Do not throw a spear if your aim is poor. Ankh-Sheshonk
Do not dip your nib in ink to do harm to a man. The finger of the scribe is like the beak of the ibis. Take care not to misuse it. Amenemope
Do not allow the ignorant man and the fool to do work for which they are unsuited. Ankh-Sheshonk
Never reply angrily to a superior. Know how to back down and say soothing words while he rants and raves. It is a remedy which will calm his heart. Ani Do not push yourself forward when your superior enters in case you bring harm upon your name. If you suffer a reproach, do not speak and keep quiet until the situation improves. Ani
What a perfect day! Heaven works for our hearts. That which we love is our work. Tomb of Paheri
A lazy man never gets around to doing anything. He who knows how to make plans is worthy of consideration. Ani
If you never do the work that needs doing, the field will never get ploughed. Ani
Do not say: ‘I have ploughed the field but haven’t been paid in return.’ Plough it again, it’s good to work. Ankh-Sheshonk |
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