(1) Ben Zoma says: Who is the wise one? He who learns from all men, as it says, "I have acquired understanding from all my teachers" (Psalms 119:99). Who is the mighty one? He who conquers his desire, as it says, "slowness to anger is better than a mighty person." (Proverbs 16:32). Who is the rich one? He who is happy with his lot, as it says, "When you eat [from] the work of your hands, you will be happy, and it will be well with you" (Psalms 128:2). "You will be happy" in this world, and "it will be well with you" in the world to come. Who is honored? He who honors the created beings, as it says, "For, those who honor Me, I will honor; and those who despise me will be held in little esteem" (I Samuel 2:30).

(5) Do not ask for glory for yourself, and do not covet honour. More than just studying, act. And do not lust after the tables of kings since your table is greater than theirs and your crown is greater than theirs. And your employer is faithful; he will pay you the wages of your labour.

(2) Rabban Gamliel the son of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi said: Excellent is the study of the Torah together with a worldly occupation, For the exertion [expended] in both of them causes sin to be forgotten. And all [study of the] Torah in the absence of a worldly occupation comes to nothing in the end and leads to sin. And all who work for the community, let them work for the [sake of the] name of Heaven, For the merit of the [community’s] ancestors sustains them, And their [ancestors’] righteousness will endure forever. And as for you [who work for the community], [God says:] I credit you with a great reward, as if you [yourselves] had [actually] done [everything on your own].

(15) Rabbi Tarfon says: The day is short and the task is great, and the laborers are lazy, and the wages are much and the master is pressing.

(9) He said to them: go out and see which is the straight path for a person to follow. Rabbi Eliezer says: a good eye. Rabbi Yehoshua says: a good friend. Rabbi Yose says: a good neighbor. Rabbi Shimon says: one who sees the newborn. Rabbi Elazar says: a good heart. He said to them: I see the words of Elazar ben Arach more than your words, since his words encapsulate your words.

(10) He would say: In one in whom people delight, God delights. In one in whom people don't delight, God does not delight. Rabbi Dosa ben Harkinus says: Late morning sleep, midday wine, chatter of children, and sitting in the assembly houses of the ignorant remove a person from the world.

(12) Rabbi Yishmael says: Be yielding to an elder, pleasant to a youth and greet all of mankind with joy.