Sirach 5

¹ Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.

² Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:

³ And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.

⁴ Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.

⁵ Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:

⁶ And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.

⁷ Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.

⁸ Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.

⁹ Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.

¹⁰ Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.

¹¹ Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.

¹² If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

¹³ Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.

¹⁴ Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.

¹⁵ Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.