Eclesiástico, 8

1. No disputes con hombre poderoso, no sea que caigas en sus manos.

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

2. No discutas con hombre rico, no sea que te venza con su peso. Porque a muchos perdió el oro, hasta los corazones de los reyes descarrió.

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

3. No disputes con hombre charlatán, no eches más leña a su fuego.

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

4. No bromees con el ineducado, para que tus mayores no queden en deshonra.

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

5. No reproches al hombre que se vuelve del pecado, recuerda que culpables somos todos.

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

6. No deshonres al hombre en su vejez, que entre nosotros también se llega a viejos.

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. No te alegres de la muerte de nadie, recuerda que todos moriremos.

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

8. No dedeñes lo que narran los sabios, vuelve a menudo a sus proverbios, que de ellos aprenderás doctrina y el modo de servir a los grandes.

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

9. No desprecies lo que cuentan los viejos, que ellos también han aprendido de sus padres; pues de ellos aprenderás prudencia y a dar respuesta en el momento justo.

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. No enciendas los carbones del pecador, no sea que te abrases en el fuego de su llama.

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

11. No te encares con el insolente, para que no sea como trampa tendida a tu boca.

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

12. No prestes al que puede más que tú; si prestas, dalo por perdido.

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

13. No salgas fiador por encima de tus medios; si lo haces, date por deudor.

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

14. No entres en pleito con un juez, que por su dignidad fallarán en su favor.

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

15. Con el osado no te pongas en camino, para que no te agote, pues él procederá a su antojo, y por su locura te perderás con él.

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

16. Con el colérico no entres en pelea, ni te adentres con él en el desierto, porque a sus ojos nada es la sangre, y donde no haya quien te auxilie se echará sobre ti.

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

17. No le pidas consejo al insensato, pues no podrá mantenerlo en silencio.

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

18. Delante de un extraño no hagas cosa secreta, pues no sabes qué inventará después.

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

19. No abras tu corazón a todo el mundo, pues no te han de compensar con gracia alguna.

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.