Sirach 7:4-14

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

⁴ Seek not of the Lord a pre-eminence, nor of the king the seat of honour.

⁵ Justify not thyself before God, for he knoweth the heart: and desire not to appear wise before the king.

⁶ Seek not to be made a judge, unless thou have strength enough to extirpate iniquities: lest thou fear the person of the powerful, and lay a stumblingblock for thy integrity.

⁷ Offend not against the multitude of a city, neither cast thyself in upon the people,

⁸ Nor bind sin to sin: for even in one thou shalt not be unpunished.

⁹ Be not fainthearted in thy mind:

¹⁰ Neglect not to pray, and to give alms.

¹¹ Say not: God will have respect to the multitude of my gifts, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept my offerings.

¹² Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one that humbleth and exalteth, God who seeth all.

¹³ Devise not a lie against thy brother: neither do the like against thy friend.

¹⁴ Be not willing to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.