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Prudence and Common Sense

Do not contend with the powerful,
    or you may fall into their hands.
Do not quarrel with the rich,
    in case their resources outweigh yours,
for gold has ruined many
    and has perverted the minds of kings.(A)
Do not argue with the loud of mouth,
    and do not heap wood on their fire.(B)

Do not make fun of one who is uneducated,
    or your ancestors may be insulted.
Do not reproach one who is turning away from sin;
    remember that we all deserve punishment.(C)
Do not disdain one who is old,
    for some of us are also growing old.(D)
Do not rejoice over anyone’s death;
    remember that we must all die.

Do not slight the discourse of the sages,
    but turn to their maxims,
because from them you will learn discipline
    and how to serve the great.(E)
Do not ignore the discourse of the aged,
    for they themselves learned from their parents;[a]
from them you learn how to understand
    and to give an answer when the need arises.(F)

10 Do not kindle the coals of sinners,
    or you may be burned[b] in their flaming fire.(G)
11 Do not let the insolent bring you to your feet,
    or they may lie in ambush against your words.
12 Do not lend to one who is stronger than you,
    but if you do lend anything, count it as a loss.(H)
13 Do not give surety beyond your means,
    but if you give surety be prepared to pay.(I)

14 Do not go to law against a judge,
    for the decision will favor him because of his standing.
15 Do not travel on the road with the reckless,
    or your troubles may become burdensome,
for they will act as they please,
    and through their folly you will perish with them.
16 Do not pick a fight with the quick-tempered,
    and do not journey with them through a deserted region,
because bloodshed means nothing to them,
    and where no help is at hand they will strike you down.(J)
17 Do not consult with fools,
    for they cannot keep a secret.(K)
18 In the presence of strangers do nothing that is to be kept secret,
    for you do not know what they will divulge.[c]
19 Do not reveal your thoughts to anyone,
    or you may drive away your happiness.[d]

Footnotes

  1. 8.9 Or ancestors
  2. 8.10 Heb: Gk do not get burned
  3. 8.18 Or it will bring forth
  4. 8.19 Heb: Gk and let him not return a favor to you
'Sirach 8 ' not found for the version: New International Version.