Sirach 8

1Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.Log in to add notes

2Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.Log in to add notes

3Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.Log in to add notes

4Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.Log in to add notes

5Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.Log in to add notes

6Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.Log in to add notes

7Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.Log in to add notes

8Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.Log in to add notes

9Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.Log in to add notes

10Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.Log in to add notes

11Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy wordsLog in to add notes

12Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.Log in to add notes

13Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.Log in to add notes

14Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.Log in to add notes

15Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.Log in to add notes

16Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.Log in to add notes

17Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.Log in to add notes

18Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.Log in to add notes

19Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.Log in to add notes