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Wisdom of Ben Sira 8:3-5
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 8:3-5
New Catholic Bible
3 [a]Do not engage in a dispute with an argumentative man
and thereby heap wood upon his fire.
4 Do not ridicule one who is ill-bred,
lest he proceed to insult your ancestors.
5 [b]Avoid reproaching a repentant sinner;
remember that we are all guilty.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 8:3 The author urges the wise to avoid disputes with those who are loudmouths or senseless, for such persons will become even more boisterous when someone responds to them.
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 8:5 The author counsels not to reproach a repentant sinner, for we are all guilty (see 1 Ki 8:46; 2 Chr 6:36; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:9-10; 1 Jn 1:8). He urges respect for the elderly for some of us will also become aged. Lastly, we should not rejoice over anyone’s death, for we all must die.
