Ben Sira 5:6-14

6 Don't think that his mercy is so great that he will forgive your sins no matter how many they are. He does show mercy, but he also shows his furious anger with sinners.
7 Come back to the Lord quickly. Don't think that you can keep putting it off. His anger can come upon you suddenly, and you will die under his punishment.
8 Don't rely on dishonest wealth; it will do you no good on that day of disaster.
9 Be certain about what you believe and consistent in what you say. Don't try to please everyone or agree with everything people say.
11 Always be ready to listen, but take your time in answering.
12 Answer only if you know what to say, and if you don't know what to say, keep quiet.
13 Speaking can bring you either honor or disgrace; what you say can ruin you.
14 Don't get a reputation for being a gossip, and don't tell tales that will hurt people. Just as robbers will suffer disgrace, so liars will suffer severe condemnation.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] everything people say; [Greek adds] That is what double-tongued sinners do.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.