Sirach 7:4-14

Revised Standard Version

⁴ Do not seek from the Lord the highest office,
    nor the seat of honor from the king.
⁵ Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord,
    nor display your wisdom before the king.
⁶ Do not seek to become a judge,
    lest you be unable to remove iniquity,
lest you be partial to a powerful man,
    and thus put a blot on your integrity.
⁷ Do not offend against the public,
    and do not disgrace yourself among the people.

⁸ Do not commit a sin twice;
    even for one you will not go unpunished.
⁹ Do not say, “He will consider the multitude of my gifts,
    and when I make an offering to the Most High God he will accept it.”
¹⁰ Do not be fainthearted in your prayer,
    nor neglect to give alms.

¹¹ Do not ridicule a man who is bitter in soul,
    for there is One who abases and exalts.
¹² Do not devise^[a] a lie against your brother,
    nor do the like to a friend.
¹³ Refuse to utter any lie,
    for the habit of lying serves no good.
¹⁴ Do not prattle in the assembly of the elders,
    nor repeat yourself in your prayer.