Ben Sira 8:1-10

1 Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.
2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee; for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
6 Dishonor not a man in his old age, for even some of us wax old.
7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we all die.
8 Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs; for from them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.
9 Miss not the discourse of the elders, for they also learned from their fathers; and from them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.
10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burned with the flame of his fire.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.