Ben Sira 8:10-19

10 You should not provide a sinner with more opportunity to sin. You might get hurt yourself; it's as easy as getting burned while adding logs to a fire.
11 You should not get up and walk out on someone who is insolent. He might twist your words and use them against you.
12 You should not lend anything to someone more powerful than you. If you do, you might as well consider it lost.
13 You should not guarantee anyone else's loan to an extent that you cannot afford. You must be prepared to pay any such guarantee.
14 You should not bring a lawsuit against a judge. He will win because of his position.
15 You should not travel with anyone who is reckless. It will cause you nothing but trouble. He will do any foolish thing he pleases, and you will die with him.
16 You should not get into an argument with anyone who has a hot temper or go to some place where the two of you will be alone. Violence means nothing to such a person, and he will attack you when there is no one to help you.
17 You should not ask a stupid person for advice. He will not be able to keep secret what you tell him.
18 You should not do anything in front of a stranger that should be kept secret. There is no way of knowing what will happen if you do.
19 You should not reveal your most private thoughts to anyone. If you do, you may as well throw away any chance of happiness.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] If . . . happiness; [Greek] And don't let anyone do you a favor.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.