Sirach 8

Circumstances to avoid

1 Don't fight with powerful people, or you might fall into their hands.
2 Don't argue with rich people, since they might outmatch your resources; for gold has destroyed many, and it has turned aside the hearts of kings.
3 Don't fight with talkative people, adding fuel to their fire.
4 Don't make fun of the uneducated, or your ancestors might be insulted. turning away from sin; remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
5 Don't reproach someone
6 Don't dishonor people in their old age; some of us are growing old as well.
7 Don't celebrate because someone has died; remember that we all will pass away.
8 Don't neglect the conversation of the wise, but keep returning to their proverbs, because you will learn instruction from them, how to minister to dignitaries.
9 Don't reject the words of the aged, because they also learned from their elders, and you will learn understanding from them and how to give an answer when it is necessary. and don't let his fire set you ablaze.
10 Don't stoke up the coals of a sinner,
11 Don't rise out of your seat in the presence of insolent persons, because they might set a trap for what you say.
12 Don't lend to people who are more powerful than you, but if you do lend, treat it as though it were lost.
13 Don't guarantee a loan beyond your ability, and if you do guarantee one, consider that you will need to pay.
14 Don't go to court with a judge; people will judge him according to his prestige.
15 Don't walk on the road with reckless people, or you will bear the weight of your mistakes. They will walk wherever they want, and you will be destroyed because of their foolishness.
16 Don't get in a fight with hot-tempered people, and don't travel through the desert with them, because spilling blood is nothing to them, and where there's no one to help, they will strike you down.
17 Don't consult with fools, because they can't keep a secret.
18 Don't do anything in front of strangers that should be kept hidden, for you don't know what they will reveal.
19 Don't open your heart to just anyone, and don't accept a favor from just anyone.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. LXX; Heb and don’t drive goodness away from yourself
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