Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 8

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.

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.

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.