Ka-Gemni

Vizier to King Huni, Fourth Dynasty. 26000 b.c.e

Selections from The Instructions, taken from The Wisdom of Ancient Egypt. By Josph Kaster.

"The humble man flourishes, and he who deals uprightly is praised. The innermost chamber is opened to the man of silence. Wide is the seat of the man cautious of speech, but the knife is sharp against the one who forces a path, that he advance not, save in due season."

"If you sit with a company of people, desire not the food, even if you want it; [do this out of politeness, it makes a good impression] it takes only a brief moment to restrain the heart, and it is disgraceful to be greedy. A handful of water quenches the thrist, and a mouthful of malon supports the heart. A good thing takes the place of what is good, and jus a little takes the place of much."

"If a man be lacking in good fellowship, no speech has any influence upon him. he is sour of face to the glad-hearted who are kindly to him. He is a grief to his mother and his friends. All men say; "Let your name be know! You are silent in your mouth when addressed!"

"Be not boastful of your strength in the midst of young soilders. Beware making strife; one knows not what may chance, what the God will do when he punishes."