Sirach 7:4-14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁴ Do not seek from the Lord high office
    or the seat of honor from the king.
⁵ Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord
    or display your wisdom before the king.^(A)
6 Do not seek to become a judge,
    or you may be unable to root out injustice;
perhaps you will fear the powerful
    and so mar your integrity.^(B)
7 Commit no offense against the public,
    and do not disgrace yourself among the people.

⁸ Do not commit a sin twice;
    even for one you will not go unpunished.^(C)
9 Do not say, “He will consider the great number of my gifts,
    and when I make an offering to the Most High God, he will accept it.”
¹⁰ Do not grow weary when you pray;
    do not neglect to give alms.^(D)
11 Do not ridicule a person who is embittered in spirit,
    for there is one who humbles and exalts.^(E)
12 Do not devise^[a] a lie against your brother
    or do the same to a friend.
¹³ Refuse to utter any lie,
    for it is a habit that results in no good.
¹⁴ Do not babble in the company of the elders,
    and do not repeat yourself when you pray.^(F)