Sirach 8

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

Prudence and Common Sense

8 Do not contend with the powerful,
    or you may fall into their hands.
²Do not quarrel with the rich,
    in case their resources outweigh yours;
for gold has ruined many,
    and has perverted the minds of kings.
³Do not argue with the loud of mouth,
    and do not heap wood on their fire.

⁴Do not make fun of one who is ill-bred,
    or your ancestors may be insulted.
⁵Do not reproach one who is turning away from sin;
    remember that we all deserve punishment.
⁶Do 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.

⁸Do not slight the discourse of the sages,
    but busy yourself with their maxims;
because from them you will learn discipline
    and how to serve princes.
⁹Do not ignore the discourse of the aged,
    for they themselves learned from their parents;^[a]
from them you learn how to understand
    and to give an answer when the need arises.

¹⁰Do not kindle the coals of sinners,
    or you may be burned in their flaming fire.
¹¹Do not let the insolent bring you to your feet,
    or they may lie in ambush against your words.
¹²Do not lend to one who is stronger than you;
    but if you do lend anything, count it as a loss.
¹³Do 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 favour him because of his standing.
¹⁵Do not go travelling with the reckless,
    or they will be burdensome to you;
for they will act as they please,
    and through their folly you will perish with them.
¹⁶Do not pick a fight with the quick-tempered,
    and do not journey with them through lonely country,
because bloodshed means nothing to them,
    and where no help is at hand they will strike you down.
¹⁷Do 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.^[b]
¹⁹Do not reveal your thoughts to anyone,
    or you may drive away your happiness.^[c]

Footnotes

Sirach 8:9 Or ancestors
Sirach 8:18 Or it will bring forth
Sirach 8:19 Heb: Gk and let him not return a favour to you

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition (NRSVACE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.