Pseudo-Phocylides

The Sentences of Pseudo-Phocylides

[A poem of moral maxims in the voice of the sage; a selection of the sentences.]

Do not commit adultery, nor stir up the love of a man for a man.

Do not betray a trust, nor murder, nor gain by violence.

Be content with what you have, and keep from what is another’s.

Speak the truth to all, and let your word be sure.

Honor God first, and after him your parents.

Give the laborer his wage; do not oppress the poor.

Open your hand to the beggar, and do not turn him away empty.

Receive the homeless into your house, and the blind, the stranger, and the shipwrecked.

Do not laugh at the old, for you too will grow old.

Do not exult over the dead, for all share one end.

Practice moderation in all things; flee excess.

Do not heap up riches unjustly; ill-gotten gain brings ruin.

Envy no one; let no anger master you.

Guard your tongue, keeping a secret hidden within.

Do no wrong, and do not allow another to wrong you.

The hand that works is filled; the idle hand goes hungry.

We are not our own; our possessions are but lent.

Naked we came from the earth, and naked we return.

Common to all is the end; God alone is immortal.

Cultivate a sound mind, and walk in the way of righteousness.

[The poem continues; the maxims above stand for the whole.]