A sage, instructing boys, said to them: ‘O darlings of your fathers, learn a trade because property and riches of the world are not to be relied upon; also silver and gold are an occasion of danger because either a thief may steal them at once or the owner spend them gradually; but a profession is a living fountain and permanent wealth; and although a professional man may lose riches, it does not matter because a profession is itself wealth and wherever he goes he will enjoy respect and sit in high places, whereas he who has no trade will glean crumbs and see hardships:
It is difficult to obey after losing dignity And to bear violence from men after being caressed.
Once confusion arose in Damascus. Everyone left his snug corner. Learned sons of peasants Became the veziers of padshahs. Imbecile sons of the veziers Went as mendicants to peasants.
If you wanted thy father’s inheritance, acquire his knowledge Because this property of his may be spent in ten days.