Sirach 8

1 Do not quarrel with a powerful person, or you may fall into his hands. 2 Do not contend with a rich person, or he may outweigh you. Gold has destroyed many and turned aside the hearts of kings. 3 Do not quarrel with someone who talks constantly or pile wood on his fire. 4 Do not joke with an uninstructed person, or your ancestors may be dishonored. 5 Do not reproach someone who turns away from sin. Remember that all of us are liable to punishment.

6 Do not dishonor anyone in old age, because some of us are also growing old. 7 Do not rejoice over someone who has died. Remember that all of us die. 8 Do not disregard an account from the wise; spend time with their proverbs. From them you will learn instruction and how to serve the great. 9 Do not miss an account from the elders, because they also learned from their fathers. From them you will learn understanding and how to answer at the right time. 10 Do not fan a sinner’s coals, or you may be burned in his flaming fire.

11 Do not rise in anger before an abusive person, or he may set an ambush for you through your own mouth. 12 Do not lend to someone stronger than you. If you do lend, consider the money lost. 13 Do not guarantee a debt beyond your ability. If you do guarantee it, expect to pay. 14 Do not take a judge to court, because the court will decide for him according to his standing. 15 Do not travel with a reckless person, or he may become a burden to you. He will act according to his own will, and you will perish with him through his foolishness.

16 Do not fight with an angry person or cross the wilderness with him. Blood means nothing in his sight, and where no help is available, he will strike you down. 17 Do not seek counsel from a fool, because he cannot keep a matter private. 18 Do nothing secret in front of an outsider, because you do not know what he will produce. 19 Do not reveal your heart to everyone, and do not let it drive favor away from you. [a]