Sirach 9

1 Do not be jealous of the wife who rests against you, or you will teach her an evil lesson against yourself. 2 Do not give your soul to a woman and let her trample your strength. 3 Do not meet with a prostitute, or you may fall into her traps. 4 Do not spend much time with a woman who sings, or you may be caught by her advances. 5 Do not stare at a virgin, or you may stumble over the penalty connected with her.

6 Do not give your soul to prostitutes, or you may lose your inheritance. 7 Do not look around in a city’s streets or wander through its deserted places. 8 Turn your eyes away from a beautiful woman, and do not study beauty that belongs to another. A woman’s beauty has led many astray, and from it affection is kindled like fire. 9 Do not sit at all with another man’s wife or join her in drinking wine. Your soul may incline toward her, and through your spirit you may slide into destruction. † 10 Do not abandon an old friend, because a new one cannot equal him. A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged, you will drink it with gladness.

11 Do not envy a sinner’s glory, because you do not know how his life will be overturned. 12 Do not delight in what delights the ungodly. Remember that they will not be vindicated even as far as Hades. 13 Keep far away from someone with authority to kill, and you will not have to suspect the terror of death. If you do approach him, do not do wrong, or he may take your life. Know that you are crossing among traps and walking along a city’s battlements. 14 To the best of your ability, understand your neighbors, and seek counsel from the wise. 15 Let your discussion be with people of understanding and every account you give concern the law of the Most High.

16 Let righteous men share your table, and let your boast be in the fear of the Lord. 17 A work is praised through the craftsman’s hand, and a wise leader of the people through his words. 18 A talkative man is feared in his city, and someone reckless in speech will be hated.