Ecclesiasticus, 8

1. Do not try conclusions with anyone influential, in case you later fall into his clutches.

1. Do no evil, and evil will never befall you.

2. Do not quarrel with anyone rich, in case he puts his weight against you; for gold has destroyed many, and has swayed the hearts of kings.

2. Stay away from wrong, and it will turn away from you.

3. Do not argue with anyone argumentative, do not pile wood on that fire.

3. My son, do not sow the furrows of injustice, and you will not reap a sevenfold crop.

4. Do not joke with anyone uncouth, for fear of hearing your ancestors insulted.

4. Do not seek from the Lord the highest office, nor the seat of honor from the king.

5. Do not revile a repentant sinner; remember that we all are guilty.

5. Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord, nor display your wisdom before the king.

6. Do not despise anyone in old age; after all, some of us too are growing old.

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 gloat over anyone's death; remember that we all have to die.

7. Do not offend against the public, and do not disgrace yourself among the people.

8. Do not scorn the discourse of the wise, but make yourself familiar with their maxims, since from these you will learn the theory and the art of serving the great.

8. Do not commit a sin twice; even for one you will not go unpunished.

9. Do not dismiss what the old people have to say, for they too were taught by their parents; from them you will learn how to think, and the art of the timely answer.

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 kindle the coals of the sinner, in case you scorch yourself in his blaze.

10. Do not be fainthearted in your prayer, nor neglect to give alms.

11. Refuse to be provoked by the insolent, for fear that such a one try to trap you in your words.

11. Do not ridicule a man who is bitter in soul, for there is One who abases and exalts.

12. Do not lend to anyone who is stronger than you are -- if you do lend, resign yourself to loss.

12. Do not devise a lie against your brother, nor do the like to a friend.

13. Do not stand surety beyond your means; if you do stand surety, be prepared to pay up.

13. Refuse to utter any lie, for the habit of lying serves no good.

14. Do not go to law with a judge, since judgement will be given in his favour.

14. Do not prattle in the assembly of the elders, nor repeat yourself in your prayer.

15. Do not go travelling with a rash man, for fear he becomes burdensome to you; he will act as the whim takes him, and you will both be ruined by his folly.

15. Do not hate toilsome labor, or farm work, which were created by the Most High.

16. Do not argue with a quick-tempered man, do not go with him where there are no other people, since blood counts for nothing in his eyes, and where no help is to be had, he will strike you down.

16. Do not count yourself among the crowd of sinners; remember that wrath does not delay.

17. Do not ask a fool for advice, since a fool will not be able to keep a confidence.

17. Humble yourself greatly, for the punishment of the ungodly is fire and worms.

18. In a stranger's presence do nothing that should be kept secret, since you cannot tell what use the stranger will make of it.

18. Do not exchange a friend for money, or a real brother for the gold of Ophir.

19. Do not open your heart to all comers, nor lay claim to their good offices.

19. Do not deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her charm is worth more than gold.

20.

20. Do not abuse a servant who performs his work faithfully, or a hired laborer who devotes himself to you.

21.

21. Let your soul love an intelligent servant; do not withhold from him his freedom.

22.

22. Do you have cattle? Look after them; if they are profitable to you, keep them.

23.

23. Do you have children? Discipline them, and make them obedient from their youth.

24.

24. Do you have daughters? Be concerned for their chastity, and do not show yourself too indulgent with them.

25.

25. Give a daughter in marriage; you will have finished a great task. But give her to a man of understanding.

26.

26. If you have a wife who pleases you, do not cast her out; but do not trust yourself to one whom you detest.

27.

27. With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother.

28.

28. Remember that through your parents you were born; and what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?

29.

29. With all your soul fear the Lord, and honor his priests.

30.

30. With all your might love your Maker, and do not forsake his ministers.

31.

31. Fear the Lord and honor the priest, and give him his portion, as is commanded you: the first fruits, the guilt offering, the gift of the shoulders, the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of the holy things.

32.

32. Stretch forth your hand to the poor, so that your blessing may be complete.

33.

33. Give graciously to all the living, and withhold not kindness from the dead.

34.

34. Do not fail those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn.

35.

35. Do not shrink from visiting a sick man, because for such deeds you will be loved.

36.

36. In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin.