SIRACH 8

1Contend not with a mighty man,

Lest haply thou fall into his hands.

2Strive not with a rich man, lest haply he overweigh thee:

For gold hath destroyed many,

And turned aside the hearts of kings.

3Contend not with a man that is full of tongue,

And heap not wood upon his fire.

4Jest not with a rude man,

Lest thine ancestors be dishonoured.

5Reproach not a man when he turneth from sin:

Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

6Dishonour not a man in his old age;

For some of us also are waxing old.

7Rejoice not over one that is dead:

Remember that we die all.

8Neglect not the discourse of the wise,

And be conversant with their proverbs;

For of them thou shalt learn instruction,

And how to minister to great men.

9Miss not the discourse of the aged;

For they also learned of their fathers:

Because from them thou shalt learn understanding,

And to give answer in time of need.

10Kindle not the coals of a sinner,

Lest thou be burned with the 1 flame of his fire.

11Rise not up from the presence of an insolent man,

Lest he lie in wait as an ambush for thy mouth.

12Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself;

And if thou lend, be as one that hath lost.

13Be not surety above thy power:

And if thou be surety, take thought as one that will have to pay.

14Go not to law with a judge;

For according to his honour will they give judgement for him.

15Go not in the way with a rash man,

Lest he be aggrieved with thee;

For he will do according to his own will,

And thou shalt perish with his folly.

16Fight not with a wrathful man,

And travel not with him through the desert:

For blood is as nothing in his sight;

And where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.

17Take not counsel with a fool;

For he will not be able to conceal the matter.

18Do no secret thing before a stranger;

For thou knowest not what 2 he will bring forth.

19Open not thine heart to every man;

And let him not return thee a favour.