Sirach 5

1 Do not rely on your possessions or say, “I have all I need.” 2 Do not follow your own soul and strength by walking in the desires of your heart. 3 Do not say, “Who can rule over me?” The Lord will certainly exact repayment. 4 Do not say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?” The Lord is patient. 5 Do not become fearless about atonement and add sin to sin.

6 Do not say, “His pity is great; he will make atonement for my many sins.” Both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger rests on sinners. 7 Do not delay turning back to the Lord or put it off from day to day. The Lord’s wrath will suddenly come out, and you will be destroyed at the time of reckoning. 8 Do not rely on possessions gained by wrongdoing; they will not help you on the day of calamity. 9 Do not winnow grain in every wind or walk down every path. That is what the double-tongued sinner does. 10 Stand firm in your understanding, and let your word be consistent.

11 Be quick to listen, and take your time when giving an answer. 12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth. 13 Glory and dishonor come through speech, and a person’s tongue can bring his fall. 14 Do not be called a whisperer or set an ambush with your tongue. A thief receives shame, and the double-tongued receive severe condemnation. 15 Do not be careless in anything, whether great or small, and do not become an enemy instead of a friend. An evil name inherits shame and disgrace; so does a double-tongued sinner.