Sirach 8

¹Don’t contend with a mighty man,

lest perhaps you fall into his hands.

²Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you;

for gold has destroyed many,

and turned away the hearts of kings.

³Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man.

Don’t heap wood upon his fire.

⁴Don’t make fun of a rude man,

lest your ancestors be dishonored.

⁵Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin.

Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

⁶Don’t dishonor a man in his old age,

for some of us are also growing old.

⁷Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death.

Remember that we all die.

⁸Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise.

Be conversant with their proverbs;

for from them you will learn discipline

and how to serve great men.

⁹Don’t miss the discourse of the aged,

for they also learned from their parents,

because from them you will learn understanding,

and to give an answer in time of need.

¹⁰Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner,

lest you be burned with the flame of his fire.

¹¹Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man,

lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth.

¹²Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you;

and if you lend, count it as a loss.

¹³Don’t be surety beyond your means.

If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay.

¹⁴Don’t go to law with a judge;

for according to his honor they will give judgment for him.

¹⁵Don’t travel with a reckless man,

lest he be burdensome to you;

for he will do as he pleases,

and you will perish with his folly.

¹⁶Don’t fight with a wrathful man.

Don’t travel with him through the desert,

for blood is as nothing in his sight.

Where there is no help, he will overthrow you.

¹⁷Don’t consult with a fool,

for he will not be able to keep a secret.

¹⁸Do no secret thing before a stranger,

for you don’t know what it will cause.

¹⁹Don’t open your heart to every man.

Don’t let him return you a favor.