Sirach 8

Revised Standard Version

Prudence and Common Sense

8 Do not contend with a powerful man,
    lest you fall into his hands.
²Do not quarrel with a rich man,
    lest his resources outweigh yours;
for gold has ruined many,
    and has perverted the minds of kings.
³Do not argue with a chatterer,
    nor heap wood on his fire.

⁴Do not jest with an ill-bred person,
    lest your ancestors be disgraced.
⁵Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin;
    remember that we all deserve punishment.
⁶Do not disdain a man when he is old,
    for some of us are growing old.
⁷Do not rejoice over any one’s death;
    remember that we all must die.

⁸Do not slight the discourse of the sages,
    but busy yourself with their maxims;
because from them you will gain instruction
    and learn how to serve great men.
⁹Do not disregard the discourse of the aged,
    for they themselves learned from their fathers;
because from them you will gain understanding
    and learn how to give an answer in time of need.

¹⁰Do not kindle the coals of a sinner,
    lest you be burned in his flaming fire.
¹¹Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow,
    lest he lie in ambush against your words.
¹²Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you;
    but if you do lend anything, be as one who has lost it.
¹³Do not give surety beyond your means,
    but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.

¹⁴Do not go to law against a judge,
    for the decision will favor him because of his standing.
¹⁵Do not travel on the road with a foolhardy fellow,
    lest he be burdensome to you;
for he will act as he pleases,
    and through his folly you will perish with him.
¹⁶Do not fight with a wrathful man,
    and do not cross the wilderness with him;
because blood is as nothing in his sight,
    and where no help is at hand, he will strike you down.
¹⁷Do not consult with a fool,
    for he will not be able to keep a secret.
¹⁸In the presence of a stranger do nothing that is to be kept secret,
    for you do not know what he will divulge.^[a]
¹⁹Do not reveal your thoughts to every one,
    lest you drive away your good luck.^[b]

Footnotes

Sirach 8:18 Or it will bring forth
Sirach 8:19 Heb: Gk let him not return a favor to you

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 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.