Speak of the Gods with respect, and do not presume to understand all their mysteries. There is no shame in admitting that a man's wisdom has its limits.
When you admire a woman, endeavour first to discover whether her character deserves your admiration. Beauty may attract your attention, but good sense, fidelity, kindness, and sound judgment will sustain a marriage.
Make peace with the fact that you are mortal. Do not become morbid about it, nor spend your days imagining calamities; rather, understand that your time is limited and that every wasted day is a day which cannot be recovered.
Do not promise what you cannot reasonably perform. Do not make assurances merely to please another person. And, having given your word, do not abandon it at the first inconvenience. Consider Tiw, whose hand was placed in the mouth of Fenrir as a pledge. (1/3)
In this lore is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of trust and the cost of a pledge.
You need not announce your honour to every man you meet. Let those who know you discover that your word is sufficient. (2/3)
Many young men imagine courage to be something reserved for extraordinary occasions. They picture battle, danger, and great public deeds, while overlooking the quieter occasions upon which their own character is tested. (1/3)
It requires courage to admit a mistake, to tell the truth when a lie would be convenient. It requires courage to leave a degrading habit, to begin difficult work, and to accept responsibility for an unfortunate decision. It requires courage to stand by a principle. (2/3)
Remember that the Hávamál repeatedly praises moderation, sound judgement, and the avoidance of excess. Take its counsel seriously. Enjoy the pleasures of life, but never surrender your judgement to them.
Let the old word 'treow' be ever present in your understanding: faithfulness, loyalty, and the keeping of one's word. A man who seeks the affection of a woman should not offer promises as casually as he offers greetings. His words ought to have weight.
On Marriage
If you marry, be faithful, attentive, and honest. Do not allow affection to become a matter of convenience, nor imagine that the responsibilities of marriage disappear whenever your personal interests become more attractive. (1/3)
Treat women with consideration and respect, and do not confuse masculine dignity with discourtesy. A man who must belittle another person to feel important has a rather poor foundation for his confidence. (2/3)
We should try to help our lost folk who have strayed into foreign traditions, but if they reject their ancestral ways and gods, that is their own hamingja and choice to live within degeneracy.