138 Quotes by Miriam Lichtheim

Earth’s rightness lies in justiceSpeak not falsely, you are great.Act not tightly, you are weightySpeak not falsely, you are the balance.

Now this peasant came to petition him a ninth time; he said: “O high steward, my lord! The tongue is men’s stand-balance. It is the balance that detects deficiency. Punish him who should be punished, and none shall equal your rectitude. When falsehood walks it goes astray.

Do not build your tomb out of ruins,(Using) what had been made for what is to be made.Behold, the king is lord of joy,You may rest, sleep in your strength,Follow your heart, through what I have done, There is no foe within your borders.

It is however good when people get drunk. When they drink miyet with happy hearts.It is however good when mouths shout for joy.

He who grieved goes out in joy.

Is there [a man] who lives forever ? He who comes with Osiris passes, Just as he leaves who indulged himself. Advance your officials, so that they act by your laws. He who has wealth at home will not be partial. He is a rich man who lacks nothing. The poor man does not speak justly, Not righteous is one who says, “I wish I had,” He inclines to him who will pay him.

Endow your monuments according to your wealth.Even one day gives to eternity,An hour contributes to the future,God recognizes him who works for him.

Poor men have become men of wealth,He who could not afford sandals owns riches.

Princes in the workhouse,He who did not sleep on a box owns a bed.See, the man of wealth lies thirsting.He who begged dregs has overflowing bowls.See, those who owned robes are in rags,He who did not weave for himself owns fine linen.See, he who did not build a boat for himself owns ships,Their owner looks at them: they are not his.