Ben Sira 5:1-7

1 Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, "I have enough."

2 Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.

3 Do not say, "Who will have power over me?" for the Lord will surely punish you.

4 Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?" for the Lord is slow to anger.

5 Do not be so confident of atonement that you add sin to sin.

6 Do not say, "His mercy is great, he will forgive the multitude of my sins," for both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger rests on sinners.

7 Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish.