Ben Sira 18:25-32

25 In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger; in days of wealth think of poverty and need.

26 From morning to evening conditions change; all things move swiftly before the Lord.

27 One who is wise is cautious in everything; when sin is all around, one guards against wrongdoing.

28 Every intelligent person knows wisdom, and praises the one who finds her.

29 Those who are skilled in words become wise themselves, and pour forth apt proverbs.

30 Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.

31 If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire, it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.

32 Do not revel in great luxury, or you may become impoverished by its expense.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [Better is confidence in the one Lord than clinging with a dead heart to a dead one.]