Sirach 23:9-11

Common English Bible

⁹ Don’t let your mouth
get used to making solemn pledges,
    and don’t get accustomed
    to saying the name of the holy one.
¹⁰ Just as a household slave
who is constantly examined
        won’t be lacking bruises,
    so also the person who always swears
    and speaks the Lord’s name
        will never be cleansed from sin.
¹¹ People who make many solemn pledges
will be full of lawlessness,
        and a scourge won’t depart
        from their house.
    If they break their solemn pledges,
    their sin is on them,
    and if they disregard it, they sin doubly,
    and if they swear falsely,
    they won’t be justified,
        but their houses will be full of misery.