Sirach 8

The AIT Bible

Caution in Dealing with Others

1Do not contend with a great man, lest you be delivered into his hand.

2Do not contend with one stronger than you, lest you fall into his hand.

3Do not plot against a man of no wealth, lest he set a price on you and you are lost.

4For gold has made many reckless; it turns aside the hearts of the noble.

5Do not quarrel with a talkative man, and do not add wood to his fire.

6Do not make sport of a foolish man, lest he come to despise your noble ones.

7Do not shame a man who turns from transgression; remember that we are all liable to punishment.

8Do not dishonor an elderly person; remember that you will be counted among the old.

9Do not gloat over one who is dying; remember that we will all be gathered in.

Learn from the Wise

10Do not forsake the discourse of the wise, and delve into their sayings.

11For from them you will learn instruction and how to serve before princes.

12Do not despise the tradition of the aged, which they heard from their fathers.

13For from them you will learn insight, and how to give an answer in time of need.

On Dangerous Associations

14Do not enter the domain of a wicked man, lest you be burned by the spark of his fire.

15Do not rise from before an insolent man, lest he lie in wait for you.

16Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you do lend, consider it lost.

17Do not stand as surety beyond your means; and if you do, consider yourself as one who must pay.

18Do not go to law with a judge, for he will judge according to his preference.

19Do not travel with a cruel man, lest he make your troubles heavy.

20For he will go his own way, and through his folly you will perish.

21Do not be bold with a hot-tempered man, and do not ride with him on the road.

22For blood is a light thing in his eyes, and where there is no one to help, he will destroy you.

23Do not take counsel with a simpleton, for he cannot keep your secret.

24Do not do a secret thing in front of a stranger, for you do not know what its end will bring forth.

25Do not reveal your heart to everyone, and do not push away good from yourself.

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