In “Works and Days,” Hesiod described himself as the heir to a farm bequeathed to him and his brother Perses. However, Perses apparently squandered his wealth and came back for what is owed by Hesiod. Subsequently, Perses went to the law and bribed the lords to judge in his favor. The poem contains a sharp attack against unjust judges, like those who decided in favor of the greedy Perses. The judges are depicted as pocketing bribes as they render their unfair verdicts. Blaming the courts for his problem, Hesiod urged Perses to abandon the courts. He thought that it was better to teach his brother the virtues of work and to impart his wisdom which can be used to generate an income. 

In the second part of “Works and Days,” Hesiod tried to send a message that if you get wealth from mischief, then that wealth will only stay with you for a while; but if you acquire wealth in an honest way, then it will remain with you. Hesiod also instructed that generosity pays and greed does not. 

Later in the book, Hesiod offered specific advice on farming and how to manage your time wisely, probably because he thinks Perses will listen. Hesiod then warns that if you do not worship Zeus, the god will bring poverty to you and your family. Giving more counsel, Hesiod stated that you should never treat your slaves and animals poorly, and that if you marry a good wife then she will be a benefit, but a bad wife is a curse to you. 

Hesiod wrote that justice will eventually defeat the bribes that his brother offered to the corrupt judges because Zeus has 30,000 spirits that will administer justice. Zeus will also reward righteousness with prosperity. Additionally, Hesiod stated that badness is easy, but it will end badly for you, and that hard work will bring you success.