Ben Sira 9:9-18

9 Don't sit down to eat with another man's wife or join her for a drink. You may give in to the temptation of her charms and be destroyed by your passion.
10 Never abandon old friends; you will never find a new one who can take their place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older.
11 Don't be jealous of a sinner's success; you don't know what kind of disaster is in store for him.
12 Don't take pleasure in the things that make ungodly people happy; remember that they will be held guilty as long as they live.
13 If you keep away from someone who has the power to put you to death, you will not have to fear for your life; but if you must go near him, be very careful, or he may kill you. Be conscious that you are walking among hidden traps, that you are an easy target.
14 Get to know the people around you as well as you can, and take advice only from those who are qualified to give it.
15 Engage in conversation with intelligent people, and let the Law of the Most High be the topic of your discussions.
16 Choose righteous people for your dinner companions. Your chief pride should be your fear of the Lord.
17 A skilled worker is admired for the things he makes, and a leader's wisdom is proved by his words.
18 Someone who speaks rashly and recklessly is feared and hated by everyone in town.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.