Sirach 23:9-11

Good News Translation

^9 (A)Don't fall into the habit of taking oaths, and don't use God's holy name too freely. ¹⁰ A slave who is constantly beaten will never be free of bruises; someone who is always taking an oath by the Holy Name will never be free of sin. ¹¹ Anyone who takes oaths all the time is sinful to the core, and punishment is never far away from his household. If he fails to fulfill his oath, he is guilty. If he ignores his oath, he is twice as guilty. If his oath was insincere in the first place, he cannot be pardoned and will have a house full of trouble.