Sirach 4:20-5:7

Revised Standard Version

²⁰ Observe the right time, and beware of evil;^[a]
    and do not bring shame on yourself.
²¹ For there is a shame which brings sin,
    and there is a shame which is glory and favor.
²² Do not show partiality, to your own harm,
    or deference, to your downfall.
²³ Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time,^[b]
    and do not hide your wisdom.^[c]
24 For wisdom is known through speech,
    and education through the words of the tongue.
²⁵ Never speak against the truth,
    but be mindful of your ignorance.
²⁶ Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
    and do not try to stop the current of a river.
²⁷ Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow,
    nor show partiality to a ruler.
²⁸ Strive even to death for the truth
    and the Lord God will fight for you.

²⁹ Do not be reckless in your speech,
    or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
³⁰ Do not be like a lion in your home,
    nor be a faultfinder with your servants.
³¹ Let not your hand be extended to receive,
    but withdrawn when it is time to repay.

⁴ Do not say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?”
    for the Lord is slow to anger.
⁵ Do not be so confident of atonement
    that you add sin to sin.
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 rests on sinners.
⁷ Do not delay to turn to the Lord,
    nor postpone it from day to day;
for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth,
    and at the time of punishment you will perish.