Sirach 5

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

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^[a] 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.

⁸ Do not depend on dishonest wealth,
    for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.
⁹ Do not winnow with every wind,
    nor follow every path:
    the double-tongued sinner does that.
¹⁰ Be steadfast in your understanding,
    and let your speech be consistent.
¹¹ Be quick to hear,
    and be deliberate in answering.
¹² If you have understanding, answer your neighbor;
    but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
¹³ Glory and dishonor come from speaking,
    and a man’s tongue is his downfall.

¹⁴ Do not be called a slanderer,
    and do not lie in ambush with your tongue;
for shame comes to the thief,
    and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.
¹⁵ In great and small matters do not act amiss,
    and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;