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)
Footnotes
- 7.12 Heb: Gk plow
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.