Sirach 9
9
Advice for Men
1 #
Nu 5.12-15. Love your wife,
but don't act jealous—
that will only invite her
to hurt you.
2If you let yourself fall
under the spell of a woman,
she will walk all over you.
3You had best stay away
from an immoral woman,
or you will be caught
in her traps.
4Do not spend too much time
with a woman who sings
to entertain men—
she can use many tricks
to take control of you.
5 #
Ex 22.16,17; Dt 22.28,29. Do not gaze too long
at a virgin—
if you talk her into having sex,
you will have to pay a fine
and marry her.
6Don't let yourself be controlled
by a desire for prostitutes,
or you will lose everything
that you inherited.
7So don't look for them;
stay off the lonely streets
where they are found.
8Don't stare at a married woman
with a beautiful figure.
A woman's beauty
can set men on fire
and has led many astray.
9Never have dinner or drinks
with someone else's wife.
To fall in love with her
is to fall to your death.
Looking for Happiness
10Don't desert old friends—
like bottles of aged wine,
they bring cheer
more than new ones.
11Don't be jealous of sinners
who receive praise;
you never can tell
how their life will end.
12Don't look for happiness
where ungodly people do.
You know they won't always
get away with their sins.
13Stay away from those
who are able to kill you,
and you won't live in fear
of death.
To be near them is to walk
through a field full of traps
or across a ledge
high on the city walls—
make one false step
and your life is over.
14Do your best to know
your close neighbors,
but only ask the wise ones
for advice.
15Speak with the wise
about the Law
of God Most High.
16Ask godly people over for dinner
and be proud
that you fear the Lord.
Leaders
17Craftsmen receive praise
if their work shows skill,
and the leaders of a nation
will be honored
for wise words.
18But loud, reckless leaders
are hated and feared.
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Sirach 9: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.