Ben Sira 21:1-9

1 My son, hast thou sinned? Do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
2 Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent, for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee; the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
3 All iniquity is as a two-edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
4 To terrify and do wrong will waste riches; thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
5 A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and His judgment cometh speedily.
6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners, but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.
7 An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
8 He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
9 The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together, and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.