Ben Sira 7:4-14

4 Do not seek from the Lord the highest office, nor the seat of honor from the king.

5 Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord, nor display your wisdom before the king.

6 Do not seek to become a judge, lest you be unable to remove iniquity, lest you be partial to a powerful man, and thus put a blot on your integrity.

7 Do not offend against the public, and do not disgrace yourself among the people.

8 Do not commit a sin twice; even for one you will not go unpunished.

9 Do not say, "He will consider the multitude of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Most High God he will accept it."

10 Do not be fainthearted in your prayer, nor neglect to give alms.

11 Do not ridicule a man who is bitter in soul, for there is One who abases and exalts.

12 Do not devise a lie against your brother, nor do the like to a friend.

13 Refuse to utter any lie, for the habit of lying serves no good.

14 Do not prattle in the assembly of the elders, nor repeat yourself in your prayer.