Sirach 8
8
Always Use Good Judgment
1Don't fight those in power
if you have no chance to win.
2Don't argue with those
who have plenty of gold—
they will drag you down
by bribing others
or by persuading the king
to see things their way.
3And arguing with those
who talk too much
is like piling more wood
on a fire.
4Don't laugh at those
who are crude,
unless you want to hear them
insult your ancestors.
5If people are trying
to stop committing sins,
don't make them feel guilty;
remember that we all deserve
to be punished for our sins.
6Don't dishonor old people—
the rest of us
are getting older too.
7Never be happy
when someone dies.
Remember, all of us
must die someday.
8When wise people speak,
pay attention, then study
what they have said.
You will learn discipline
and how to serve
those in power.
9Listen when old people tell you
what they learned
from their ancestors.
Then you will understand
how to give the best answer
when one is needed.
10Don't encourage sinners to sin;
they might blaze up like a fire
and you would get burned.
11Don't argue with the arrogant—
they will try to turn
your own words against you.
12Never lend to someone
who is stronger than you;
if you make such a loan,
don't count on being repaid.
13Don't ever guarantee a loan
for more than you can afford,
and don't be surprised
if you have to repay
a loan you guaranteed.
14Never sue judges—
their influence is so great
that they will always win.
15Don't travel with those
who like danger.
They will do what they please
and cause you problems,
and their foolishness
might get you killed.
16Don't start a fight
with hot-tempered people.
They don't care who they kill,
so don't travel with them
along deserted roads,
where you would be helpless
if they attacked.
17Fools can't keep a secret,
so don't ask them for advice.
18And when strangers are around
don't do anything
that you want kept secret—
you never know
who they might tell.
19Do not discuss with just anyone
what you really think,
and don't let others
do favors for you.
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Sirach 8: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.