Sirach 8

Sirach 8

Prudence and Common Sense

¹Do not contend with the powerful,

or you may fall into their hands.

²Do not quarrel with the rich,[#Prov 10.15; Sir 31.6]

in case their resources outweigh yours,

for gold has ruined many

and has perverted the minds of kings.

³Do not argue with the loud of mouth,[#Prov 26.20, 21; Sir 9.18; Jas 3.5, 6]

and do not heap wood on their fire.

⁴Do not make fun of one who is uneducated,

or your ancestors may be insulted.

⁵Do not reproach one who is turning away from sin;[#2 Cor 2.6, 7; Gal 6.1, 2]

remember that we all deserve punishment.

⁶Do not disdain one who is old,[#Lev 19.32]

for some of us are also growing old.

⁷Do not rejoice over anyone’s death;

remember that we must all die.

⁸Do not slight the discourse of the sages,[#Sir 6.35; 9.14]

but turn to their maxims,

because from them you will learn discipline

and how to serve the great.

⁹Do not ignore the discourse of the aged,[#Sir 6.34; 37.12; Col 4.6; 1 Pet 3.15]

for they themselves learned from their parents;

from them you learn how to understand

and to give an answer when the need arises.

¹⁰Do not kindle the coals of sinners,[#Prov 26.20, 21; Sir 28.9, 10; Jas 3.5, 6]

or you may be burned in their flaming fire.

¹¹Do not let the insolent bring you to your feet,

or they may lie in ambush against your words.

¹²Do not lend to one who is stronger than you,[#Sir 29.4]

but if you do lend anything, count it as a loss.

¹³Do not give surety beyond your means,[#Prov 6.1, 2; 11.15]

but if you give surety be prepared to pay.

¹⁴Do not go to law against a judge,

for the decision will favor him because of his standing.

¹⁵Do 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.

¹⁶Do not pick a fight with the quick-tempered,[#Prov 22.24; Sir 28.8]

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.

¹⁷Do not consult with fools,[#Prov 14.33; Sir 9.14; 21.26]

for they cannot keep a secret.

¹⁸In the presence of strangers do nothing that is to be kept secret,

for you do not know what they will divulge.

¹⁹Do not reveal your thoughts to anyone,

or you may drive away your happiness.