Sirach 9Good News Translation (GNT)

Advice about Women

9 Don't be jealous of the wife you love. You will only be teaching her how to do you harm. ² Do not surrender your dignity to any woman. ³ Keep away from other men's wives^[a] or they will trap you. ⁴ Don't keep company with female musicians; they will trick you. ⁵ Don't look too intently at a virgin, or you may find yourself forced to pay a bride price. ⁶ Don't give yourself to prostitutes, or you may lose everything you own. ⁷ So don't go looking about in the streets or wandering around in the run-down parts of town. ⁸ When you see a good-looking woman, look the other way; don't let your mind dwell on the beauty of any woman who is not your wife. Many men have been led astray by a woman's beauty. It kindles passion as if it were fire. ⁹ Don't sit down to eat with another man's wife or join her for a drink. You may give in to the temptation of her charms and be destroyed by your passion.

Friendships with Others

¹⁰ Never abandon old friends; you will never find a new one who can take their place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older. ¹¹ Don't be jealous of a sinner's success; you don't know what kind of disaster is in store for him. ¹² Don't take pleasure in the things that make ungodly people happy; remember that they will be held guilty as long as they live. ¹³ If you keep away from someone who has the power to put you to death, you will not have to fear for your life; but if you must go near him, be very careful, or he may kill you. Be conscious that you are walking among hidden traps, that you are an easy target.

¹⁴ Get to know the people around you as well as you can, and take advice only from those who are qualified to give it. ¹⁵ Engage in conversation with intelligent people, and let the Law of the Most High be the topic of your discussions. ¹⁶ Choose righteous people for your dinner companions. Your chief pride should be your fear of the Lord.

Rulers

¹⁷ A skilled worker is admired for the things he makes, and a leader's wisdom is proved by his words. ¹⁸ Someone who speaks rashly and recklessly is feared and hated by everyone in town.