Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1Stay not upon thy strength (or wealth); And say not, It is in the power of my hand.

2Stay not upon thy force; To go after the desire of thy soul.

3Go not after thy heart and thine eyes; To walk in the pleasures of wickedness.

4Say not, Who can withstand my (G S) strength? For the Lord avengeth (H seeketh) them that are persecuted.

5Say not, I have sinned, and who (?) shall do aught unto me, For God is slow to anger?

6Say not, The Lord is merciful; And he will blot out all mine iniquities.

7Trust not to forgiveness; To add iniquity to iniquity.

8Nor say, His mercy is great: He will forgive the multitude of mine iniquities.

9For mercy and anger are with him; And his displeasure shall rest upon (?) the wicked.

10Make no tarrying to turn unto him; And put not off (?) from day to day.

11For suddenly shall his indignation go forth; And in the day of vengeance thou shalt perish.

12Trust not on riches of falsehood; For they shall not profit in the day of wrath.

13Be not winnowing with every wind, And turning the way of the stream (H).

14Be assured in thine own mind; And let thy word be one.

15Be swift to give ear; And with patience of spirit return answer.

16If it be in thee, answer thy neighbour; And if not, be thy hand upon thy mouth.

17Honour and disgrace are in the hand (?) of talk; And the tongue of a man is his fall.

18Be not called a double dealer; And with thy tongue slander not a neighbour.

19For for the thief was created shame; And sore reproach for (G S) the double dealer.

20Little or much do not corruptly (H); And instead of a friend become not an enemy.