The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 8

1 Strive not with a mig y man’ lest thou fall into his hands

2 Be not at variance with a rich man lest he overweigh thee for gold hath destroyed many and perverted the hearts of kings

3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue and heap not wood upon his fire

4 Jest not with a rude man lest thy ancestors be disgraced

5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin but remember that we are all worthy of punishment

6 Dishonour not a man in his old age for even some of us wax old

7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead but remember that we die all

8 Despise not the discourse of the wise but acquaint thyself with their proverbs for of them thou shalt learn instruction and how to serve great men with ease

9 Miss not the discourse of the elders for they also learned of their fathers and of them thou shalt learn understanding and to give answer as need requireth

10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire

11 Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words

12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself for if thou lendest him count it but lost

13 Be not surety above thy power for if thou be surety take care to pay it

14 Go not to law with a judge for they will judge for him according to his honour

15 Travel not by the way with a bold fellow lest he become grievous unto thee for he will do according to his own will and thou shalt perish with him through his folly

16 Strive not with an angry man and go not with him into a solitary place for blood is as nothing in his sight and where there is no help he will overthrow thee

17 Consult not with a fool for he cannot keep counsel

18 Do no secret thing before a stranger for thou knowest not what he will bring forth

19 Open not thine heart to every man lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn