ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 343 



II. A prudent servant shall rule over a foolish son, and divide the inheritance 

 among the brethren 4 



In every jarring family there constantly rises up some 

 servant or humble friend of sway, who takes upon him to 

 compose their differences at his own discretion; to whom, 

 for that reason, the whole family, even the master himself, is 

 subject. If this man has a view to his own ends, he foments 

 and aggravates the differences of the family ; but if he prove 

 just and upright, he is certainly very deserving. So that he 

 may be reckoned even as one of the brethren, or at least 

 have the direction of the inheritance in trust. 



III. If a wise man contends with a fool, whether he be in anger or in jest, 



there is no quiet 5 



We are frequently admonished to avoid unequal con 

 flicts; that is, not to strive with the stronger: but the admo 

 nition of Solomon is no less useful, that we should not strive 

 with the worthless; for here the match is very unequal, 

 where it is no victory to conquer, and a great disgrace to be 

 conquered. Nor does it signify if, in such a conquest, we 

 should sometimes deal as in jest, and sometimes in the way 

 of disdain and contempt; for what course soever we take, we 

 are losers, and can never come handsomely off. But the 

 worst case of all is, if our antagonist have something of the 

 fool in him, that is, if he be confident and headstrong. 



IV. Listen not to all that is spoken, lest thou shouldst hear thy servant 



curse thee 6 



It is scarce credible what uneasiness is created in life by 

 a useless curiosity about the things that concern us ; as when 

 we pry into such secrets, as, being discovered, give us dis 

 taste, but afford no assistance or relief. For, 1, there fol 

 lows vexation and disquiet of mind, as all human things are 

 full of perfidiousness and ingratitude. So that though we 

 could procure some magic glass, wherein to view the ani 

 mosities, and all that malice which is any way at work 



4 Prov. xvii. 2. 6 Prov. xxix. 9. 6 Eccles. vii. 22. 



