147 Delphic Maxims Inscribed on the Temple of Apollo

The delphic maxims were 147 tenets that were said to have been given by Apollo to the Seven Sages, who recorded them. Eventually, they were then inscribed at the Temple of Apollo.

They differ from commandments in that they are more like guidelines for living a “good” and virtuous life — much like the Havamal is to Norse Pagans. They are not hard and fast “rules”.

1. Follow God (Επου θεω)
2. Obey the law (Νομω πειθου)
3. Worship the Gods (Θεους σεβου)
4. Respect your parents (Γονεις αιδου)
5. Be overcome by justice (Ηττω υπο δικαιου)
6. Know what you have learned (Γνωθι μαθων)
7. Perceive what you have heard (Ακουσας νοει)
8. Be (or Know) Yourself (Σαυτον ισθι)
9. Intend to get married (Γαμειν μελλε)
10. Know your opportunity (Καιρον γνωθι)
11. Think as a mortal (Φρονει θνητα)
12. If you are a stranger act like one (Ξepsilon;νος ων ισθι)
13. Honor the hearth [or Hestia] (Εστιαν τιμα)
14. Control yourself (Αρχε σεαυτου)
15. Help your friends (Φιλοις βοηθει)
16. Control anger (Θυμου κρατει)
17. Exercise prudence (Φρονησιν ασκει)
18. Honor providence (Προνοιαν τιμα)
19. Do not use an oath (Ορκω μη χρω)