Sirach 7:4-14

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁴ Do not seek from the Lord high office,
    or the seat of honor from the king.
⁵ Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord,
    or display your wisdom before the king.
⁶ Do not seek to become a judge,
    or you may be unable to root out injustice;
you may be partial to the powerful,
    and so mar your integrity.
⁷ Commit no offense against the public,
    and do not disgrace yourself among the people.

⁸ Do not commit a sin twice;
    not even for one will you go unpunished.
⁹ Do not say, “He will consider the great number of my gifts,
    and when I make an offering to the Most High God, he will accept it.”
¹⁰ Do not grow weary when you pray;
    do not neglect to give alms.
¹¹ Do not ridicule a person who is embittered in spirit,
    for there is One who humbles and exalts.
¹² Do not devise^[a] a lie against your brother,
    or do the same to a friend.
¹³ Refuse to utter any lie,
    for it is a habit that results in no good.
¹⁴ Do not babble in the assembly of the elders,
    and do not repeat yourself when you pray.