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Do not ridicule one who is ill-bred,
    lest he proceed to insult your ancestors.
[a]Avoid reproaching a repentant sinner;
    remember that we are all guilty.
Do not despise an elderly man,
    for some of us will also become aged.

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Footnotes

  1. 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.