Sirach 4:20-5:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil,
and do not be ashamed to be yourself.(A)
21 For there is a shame that leads to sin,
and there is a shame that is glory and favor.(B)
22 Do not show partiality to your own harm
or deference to your downfall.(C)
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment,[a]
and do not hide your wisdom.[b](D)
24 For wisdom becomes known through speech
and education through the words of the tongue.
25 Never speak against the truth,
but be ashamed of your ignorance.
26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
and do not try to stop the current of a river.(E)
27 Do not subject yourself to a fool
or show partiality to a ruler.(F)
28 Fight to the death for truth,
and the Lord God will fight for you.
29 Do not be reckless in your speech
or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.(G)
30 Do not be like a lion in your home
or suspicious of your slaves.(H)
31 Do not let your hand be stretched out to receive
and closed when it is time to give back.(I)
Precepts for Everyday Living
5 Do not rely on your wealth
or say, “I have enough.”(J)
2 Do not follow your inclination and strength
in pursuing the desires of your heart.(K)
3 Do not say, “Who can have power over me?”
for the Lord will surely punish you.(L)
4 Do not say, “I sinned, yet what has happened to me?”
for the Lord is slow to anger.(M)
5 Do not be so confident of forgiveness[c]
that you add sin to sins.(N)
6 Do not say, “His mercy is great;
he will forgive[d] the multitude of my sins,”
for both mercy and wrath are with him,
and his anger will rest on sinners.(O)
7 Do not delay to turn back to the Lord,
and do not postpone it from day to day,
for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come forth,
and at the time of punishment you will perish.(P)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.