Sirach 8
8
Sirach 8
Prudence and Common Sense
1Do not contend with the powerful,
or you may fall into their hands.
2 #
Prov 10.15; Sir 31.6 Do not quarrel with the rich,
in case their resources outweigh yours,
for gold has ruined many
and has perverted the minds of kings.
3 #
Prov 26.20, 21; Sir 9.18; Jas 3.5, 6 Do not argue with the loud of mouth,
and do not heap wood on their fire.
4Do not make fun of one who is uneducated,
or your ancestors may be insulted.
5 #
2 Cor 2.6, 7; Gal 6.1, 2 Do not reproach one who is turning away from sin;
remember that we all deserve punishment.
6 #
Lev 19.32
Do not disdain one who is old,
for some of us are also growing old.
7Do not rejoice over anyone’s death;
remember that we must all die.
8 #
Sir 6.35; 9.14 Do not slight the discourse of the sages,
but turn to their maxims,
because from them you will learn discipline
and how to serve the great.
9 #
Sir 6.34; 37.12; Col 4.6; 1 Pet 3.15 Do not ignore the discourse of the aged,
for they themselves learned from their parents;#8.9 Or ancestors
from them you learn how to understand
and to give an answer when the need arises.
10 #
Prov 26.20, 21; Sir 28.9, 10; Jas 3.5, 6 Do not kindle the coals of sinners,
or you may be burned#8.10 Heb: Gk do not get burned in their flaming fire.
11Do not let the insolent bring you to your feet,
or they may lie in ambush against your words.
12 #
Sir 29.4
Do not lend to one who is stronger than you,
but if you do lend anything, count it as a loss.
13 #
Prov 6.1, 2; 11.15 Do not give surety beyond your means,
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.
16 #
Prov 22.24; Sir 28.8 Do not pick a fight with the quick-tempered,
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.
17 #
Prov 14.33; Sir 9.14; 21.26 Do not consult with fools,
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.#8.18 Or it will bring forth
19Do not reveal your thoughts to anyone,
or you may drive away your happiness.#8.19 Heb: Gk and let him not return a favor to you
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Sirach 8: NRSVUE
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.