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Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 8
Sir
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Chapter 8
Prudence and common-sense
1
Do not try conclusions with an influential man, in case you later fall into his clutches.
2
Do not quarrel with a rich man, in case he turns the scales against you; for gold has destroyed many, and has swayed the hearts of kings.
3
Do not quarrel with a man of quick tongue, do not pile logs on his fire.
4
Do not jest with an ill-mannered man, in case you hear your ancestry insulted.
5
Do not revile a repentant sinner; remember that we all are guilty.
6
Do not despise a man in his old age; after all, some of us too are growing old.
7
Do not gloat over a man’s death; remember that we all must die.
Tradition
8
Do not ignore the talk of the wise, be conversant with their proverbs, since from these you will learn the theory and art of serving the great.
9
Do not underrate the talk of old men, after all, they themselves learned it from their fathers; from them you will learn how to think, and the art of the timely answer.
Prudence
10
Do not kindle the coals of the sinner, in case you scorch yourself in his blaze.
11
Refuse to be drawn by an arrogant man, for fear he tries to trap you in your words.
12
Do not lend to anyone who is stronger than you are – if you do lend, resign yourself to loss.
13
Do not stand surety beyond your means; if you do stand surety, be prepared to pay up.
14
Do not go to law with a judge, since judgement will be given in his favour.
15
Do not travel with a reckless fellow, in case he imposes on you; he will act as the whim takes him, and you will both be ruined by his folly.
16
Do not argue with a quick-tempered man, or travel with him through the wilderness; since blood counts for nothing in his eyes, and where no help is to be had, he will strike you down.
17
Do not ask a fool for advice, since he will not be able to keep a confidence.
18
In a stranger’s presence do nothing that should be kept secret, since you cannot tell what use he will make of it.
19
Do not open your heart to every man, or solicit favours from all comers.
Chapters of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
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