On Speech

Be not arrogant because of thy knowledge, and be not puffed up because thou art a learned man. Take counsel with the ignorant as with the wise, for the barriers of art are not closed, and no artist possesseth the perfection to which he should aspire. Good speech is more hidden than the emerald, but it may be found with maidservants at the grindstones.

If thou findest a disputant arguing and one superior to thee in matters, fold thy arms and bend thy back. Do not contradict him when he is in error; it is better to leave him alone than to engage in strife. For speech is more difficult than any craft, and he who is skilful therein makes the hearer his servant.

If thou findest a disputant arguing who is thine equal, make thy virtue greater than his by silence while he speaketh ill. Great will be the respect of others, and thy name will be good in the opinion of the great. If thou findest a disputant arguing who is weaker than thee, be not aggressive against him merely because thou canst prevail. Leave him alone; he will confute himself.