421.

True wisdom wards off woes,

A circling fortress high;

Its inner strength man's eager foes

Unshaken will defy.

422.

Wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would;

From every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good.

423.

Though things diverse from divers sages' lips we learn,

'Tis wisdom's part in each the true thing to discern.

424.

Wisdom hath use of lucid speech, words that acceptance win,

And subtle sense of other men's discourse takes in.

425.

Wisdom embraces frank the world, to no caprice exposed;

Unlike the lotus flower, now opened wide, now petals strictly closed.

426.

As dwells the world, so with the world to dwell

In harmony —this is to wisely live and well.

427.

The wise discern, the foolish fail to see,

And minds prepare for things about to be.

428.

Folly meets fearful ills with fearless heart;

To fear where cause of fear exists is wisdom's part.

429.

The wise with watchful soul who coming ills foresee;

From coming evil's dreaded shock are free.

430.

The wise is rich, with ev'ry blessing blest;

The fool is poor, of everything possessed.