Shame not a repentant sinner; remember, we all are guilty. Insult no man when he is old, for some of us, too, will grow old. Rejoice not when a man dies; remember, we are all to die.
Spurn not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs; from them you will acquire the training to serve in the presence of princes. Reject not the tradition of old men which they have learned from their fathers; from it you will obtain the knowledge how to answer in time of need.
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest you be consumed in his flaming fire. Let not the impious man intimidates you; it will set him in ambush against you. Lend not to one more powerful than yourself; and whatever you lend, count it as lost.
Go not surety beyond your means; think any pledge a debt you must pay. Contend not at law with a judge, for he will settle it according to his whim. Travel not with a ruthless man, lest he weigh you down with calamity; for he will go his own way straight, and through his folly you will perish with him.
Provoke no quarrel with a quick-tempered man, nor ride with him through the desert, for bloodshed is nothing to him; when there is no one to help you, he will destroy you. Take no counsel with a fool, for he can keep nothing to himself.
Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret, for you know not what it will engender. Open your heart to no man, and banish not your happiness.
Sirach 8:5-19
Spurn not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs; from them you will acquire the training to serve in the presence of princes. Reject not the tradition of old men which they have learned from their fathers; from it you will obtain the knowledge how to answer in time of need.
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest you be consumed in his flaming fire. Let not the impious man intimidates you; it will set him in ambush against you. Lend not to one more powerful than yourself; and whatever you lend, count it as lost.
Go not surety beyond your means; think any pledge a debt you must pay. Contend not at law with a judge, for he will settle it according to his whim. Travel not with a ruthless man, lest he weigh you down with calamity; for he will go his own way straight, and through his folly you will perish with him.
Provoke no quarrel with a quick-tempered man, nor ride with him through the desert, for bloodshed is nothing to him; when there is no one to help you, he will destroy you. Take no counsel with a fool, for he can keep nothing to himself.
Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret, for you know not what it will engender. Open your heart to no man, and banish not your happiness.
Sirach 8:5-19