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The Book of Jesus Sirach

⭑ Douay-Rheims :: World English Bible Catholic ⭑

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- Chapter 8 -

Other lessons of wisdom and virtue.

1
Strive not with a powerful man, lest thou fall into his hands.
2
Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against thee.
3
For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them.
4
Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
5
Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak ill of thy family.
6
Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof.
7
Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old.
8
Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death.
9
Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.
10
For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame.
11
Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers:
12
For of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.
13
Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest thou be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins.
14
Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest he sit as a spy to entrap thee in thy words.
15
Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself: and if thou lendest, count it as lost.
16
Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety, think as if thou wert to pay it.
17
Judge not against a judge: for he judgeth according to that which is just.
18
Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee with his evils: for he goeth according to his own will, and thou shalt perish together with his folly.
19
Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow thee.
20
Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them.
21
Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
22
Open not thy heart to every man: lest he repay thee with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to thee.

Other lessons of wisdom and virtue.

1
Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands.
2
Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings.
3
Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire.
4
Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored.
5
Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
6
Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old.
7
Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die.
8
Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise. Be conversant with their proverbs; for from them you will learn discipline and how to serve great men.
9
Don’t miss the discourse of the aged, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.
10
Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire.
11
Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth.
12
Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a loss.
13
Don’t be surety beyond your means. If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay.
14
Don’t go to law with a judge; for according to his honor they will give judgment for him.
15
Don’t travel with a reckless man, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will do as he pleases, and you will perish with his folly.
16
Don’t fight with a wrathful man. Don’t travel with him through the desert, for blood is as nothing in his sight. Where there is no help, he will overthrow you.
17
Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.
18
Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause.
19
Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor.
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