God Is the Lord
Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 1. Do not set your heart on your possessions, And do not say, “I am independent.” Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 2. Do not follow yourself and your strength So as to walk in the desires of your heart; Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 3. And do not say, “Who will be lord over me?” For the Lord will surely punish you. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 4. Do not say, “I sinned, so what happened to me?” For the Lord is patient. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 5. Do not be so confident of atonement That you add sin to sin; Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 6. And do not say, “His compassion is great; He will atone for the multitude of my sins,” For both mercy and wrath come from Him; And His anger rests on sinners. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 7. Do not delay to turn to the Lord, And do not put it off from day to day; For suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come forth, And in the day of vengeance, you will perish. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 8. Do not set your heart on dishonest wealth, For it will profit you nothing in the day of distress.
Control of the Tongue
Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 9. Do not winnow with every wind And do not follow every road; For a double-tongued sinner is of such a kind. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 10. Be established in your understanding And let your word be consistent. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 11. Be quick to listen And give your answer with patience. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 12. If you have understanding, answer your neighbor, But if not, let your hand be over your mouth. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 13. There is glory and dishonor in speech, And a man's tongue may cause him to fall. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 14. Do not be called a slanderer, And do not lie in ambush with your tongue; For shame awaits a thief, And a grievous condemnation will come upon A double-tongued man. Wisdom of Sirach 5, verse 15. In a great or in a small matter, do not go wrong.