Mishle Shualim, Fox Tales, was written by Berechiah ben Natronai ha-Nakdan, ("haNakdan", meaning "the punctuator" or "grammarian"), commonly known as Berachya in the 13th century.

Meditation from Mishle Shualim

Sooner be a servant among the noble-minded than a leader among the vulgar; for some of the honour of the former will remain with you, while you must share the contempt of your unworthy followers. If you too earnestly seek pre-eminence and power, be sure that they will flee from you; but if you bear yourself in this world like a guest receiving its hospitality, men will try to find for you a place of honour.

If, because of beauty or riches that are yours, you raise your head above neighbour or brother, you feed hateful envy, and the beggar whom you despise may yet triumph over you. Better enough in freedom, than plenty at the table of another.

Love your children with an impartial love; the hope oft errs that you place on the more promising, and all the joy may come from him that you hast kept in the background.

Mishle Shualim by Berachyah Ha-nakdan (1260)