Sirach

¹Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands. ²Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings. ³Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire. ⁴Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored. ⁵Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment. ⁶Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old. ⁷Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die. ⁸Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise. Be conversant with their proverbs; for from them you will learn discipline and how to serve great men. ⁹Don’t miss the discourse of the aged, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need. ¹⁰Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire. ¹¹Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth. ¹²Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a loss. ¹³Don’t be surety beyond your means. If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay. ¹⁴Don’t go to law with a judge; for according to his honor they will give judgment for him. ¹⁵Don’t travel with a reckless man, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will do as he pleases, and you will perish with his folly. ¹⁶Don’t fight with a wrathful man. Don’t travel with him through the desert, for blood is as nothing in his sight. Where there is no help, he will overthrow you. ¹⁷Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret. ¹⁸Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause. ¹⁹Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor.