Kings and Commoners
Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 1. Do not contend sharply with a powerful man, Lest you fall into his hands. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 2. Do not quarrel with a rich man, Lest he resist your force, For gold has destroyed many And perverted the hearts of kings. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 3. Do not contend sharply with a talkative man, And do not heap wood on his fire. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 4. Do not jest with an uncultivated man, Lest your forefathers be insulted. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 5. Do not insult a man who turns away from sin; Remember that we are all valuable. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 6. Do not dishonor a man in his old age, For some of us are growing old as well. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 7. Do not rejoice over any dead person; Remember that we all must die. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 8. Do not disregard a saying of the wise, But be conversant with their proverbs; Because from them you will gain instruction And how to serve noble people. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 9. Do not miss a saying of the old, For they themselves learned from their fathers; Because from them you will gain understanding And be able to give an answer in time of need. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 10. Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, For you may be burned by his flame. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 11. Do not let the presence of an insolent man Arouse you from your seat, Lest he lie in wait as an ambush against your words. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 12. Do not lend to a man stronger than you; But if you do, consider it lost. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 13. Do not give surety beyond your ability to pay; But if you do give surety, be as careful as one who has to pay. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 14. Do not go to law against a judge, For they will decide for him because of his reputation. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 15. Do not travel on a journey with a reckless man, Lest he weigh you down; For he will do his will, And you will perish with him in his folly. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 16. Do not cause a fight with an angry man, And do not go into a lonely place with him, Because murder is as nothing in his eyes, And where there is no help, he will strike you down. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 17. Do not consult with a fool, For he will not keep a matter confidential. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 18. Do nothing confidential in the presence of a stranger, For you do not know what he will give birth to. Wisdom of Sirach 8, verse 19. Do not open your heart to everyone, Lest unkindness be shown to you.