Ben Sira 8:1-9

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.