Which of the following was an ancient text and possibly the world’s oldest surviving written text of a king giving life advice to his son?

This literature work that is generally considered among the oldest in the world (and possibly the world’s oldest surviving written text) pertains to the Instructions of Shuruppak. Touted as one of the better examples of Sumerian wisdom literature, the ‘piece’ comprises a group of cuneiform tablets dating from around 2600-2500 BC, originally discovered at Abu Salabikh (around 12 miles from ancient Nippur).

In accordance to Sumerian traditions and annals of kings, Shuruppak was the son of Ubara-Tutu, the last king of Sumer before the deluge – the flood myth that has its parallel in many ancient tales ranging from Gilgamesh (Babylonian), Manu (Indian) to Noah (Biblical). In the Sumerian version, it was Ziusudra (also known as Utnapishtin in Akkadian) who survives the flood, and he is designated as the son of Shuruppak (or grand-son of Ubara-Tutu).

Some of the text has the following:

"You should not locate a field on a road."

"You should not make a well in your field: people will cause damage on it for you."

"You should not place your house next to a public square: there is always a crowd there."

"A loving heart maintains a family; a hateful heart destroys a family."

"You should not play around with a married young woman: the slander could be serious."

"Do not pass judgment when you drink beer."