Sirach
8:1 Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.
8:2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold
hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
8:3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his
fire.
8:4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
8:5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all
worthy of punishment.
8:6 Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.
8:7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die
all.
8:8 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.
8:9 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.
8:10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of
his fire.
8:11 Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he
lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words
8:12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest
him, count it but lost.
8:13 Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay
it.
8:14 Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his
honour.
8:15 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.
8:16 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.
8:17 Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
8:18 Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will
bring forth.
8:19 Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd
turn.
