Wisdom of Ben Sira 8:7-9

New Catholic Bible

⁷ Do not rejoice over anyone’s death;
    remember that we all must die.
⁸ Ignore not the discourse of the wise,
    but familiarize yourself with their maxims,
since from these you will gain instruction
    and learn the art of serving the great.
⁹ Do not reject the opinions of the aged,
    for they themselves were taught by their parents.
From them you will learn how to reason
    and how to reply when the need arises.