Before the path to excellence, the immortal gods have placed sweat; long and steep is the road that leads to it, and rough at first. But when one reaches the summit, it becomes easy, though difficult before.

Work is no disgrace; idleness is the disgrace. If you work, the idle man will soon envy you as you grow rich. Wealth is accompanied by worth and reputation.

The gods have hidden from men the means of life. Otherwise, you would easily work in a single day enough to provide for a year and could spend the rest in leisure. But Zeus concealed these things, and ordained that human beings should earn their livelihood through labor.

Justice is the highest gift of the gods to mankind. Cities flourish where justice prevails, and the people live in peace. But where violence and injustice rule, suffering follows, and prosperity fades away.

Therefore, remember justice and avoid arrogance. Listen to what is right, for the gods watch over human actions and reward those who live honorably and respect the laws of both gods and men.