Paradoxes

9 There may be good fortune for a person in adversity,

and a windfall may result in a loss.

10 There is the gift that profits you nothing,

and the gift to be paid back double.

11 There are losses for the sake of glory,

and there are some who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.

12 Some buy much for little,

but pay for it seven times over.

13 The wise make themselves beloved by only few words,b

but the courtesies of fools are wasted.

14 A fool’s gift will profit you nothing,c

for he looks for recompense sevenfold.d

15 He gives little and upbraids much;

he opens his mouth like a town crier.

Today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back;

such a one is hateful to God and humans.e

16 The fool says, “I have no friends,

and I get no thanks for my good deeds.

Those who eat my bread are evil-tongued.”

17 How many will ridicule him, and how often!f