
Egyptian · Maxims of Ptahhotep · 19 of 23
On Family
Battiscombe Gunn, 1906
Love thy wife with the love that is fitting. Fill her belly; clothe her back. Make glad her heart all the days of thy life. She is a profitable field for her lord. Let her heart not be vexed. That which turns her toward thee is to treat her kindly. Open thine arms to her, and she will be the companion of thy house; the woman who is well-loved is the adornment of the home.
Satisfy thy dependents with what thou hast, for that is the duty of one in favour with the gods. He who grumbles is not heard; the spirit is only wearied by the man who lacks gratitude. Be not partial; treat those who follow thee with equal care. When thou art prosperous, divide thy prosperity with those who serve thee faithfully.