Couplet 201
With sinful act men cease to feel the dread of ill within,
The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin
Explanation
Those who have experience of evil deeds will not fear, but the excellent will fear the pride of sin
Couplet 202
Since evils new from evils ever grow,
Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe
Explanation
Because evil produces evil, therefore should evil be feared more than fire
Couplet 203
Even to those that hate make no return of ill;
So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil
Explanation
So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil
Couplet 204
Though good thy soul forget, plot not thy neighbor's fall,
Thy plans shall 'virtue's Power' by ruin to thyself forestall
Explanation
Even though forgetfulness meditate not the ruin of another Virtue will meditate the ruin of him who thus meditates
Couplet 205
Make not thy poverty a plea for ill;
Thy evil deeds will make thee poorer still
Explanation
Commit not evil, saying, "I am poor": if you do, you will become poorer still
Couplet 206
What ranks as evil spare to do, if thou would'st shun
Affliction sore through ill to thee by others done
Explanation
Let him not do evil to others who desires not that sorrows should pursue him
Couplet 207
From every enmity incurred there is to 'scape, a way;
The wrath of evil deeds will dog men's steps, and slay
Explanation
However great be the enmity men have incurred they may still live The enmity of sin will incessantly pursue and kill
Couplet 208
Man's shadow dogs his steps where'er he wends;
Destruction thus on sinful deeds attends
Explanation
Destruction will dwell at the heels of those who commit evil even as their shadow that leaves them not
Couplet 209
Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear,
Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near
Explanation
If a man love himself, let him not commit any sin however small
Couplet 210
The man, to devious way of sin that never turned aside,
From ruin rests secure, whatever ills betide
Explanation
Know ye that he is freed from destruction who commits no evil, going to neither side of the right path
