Sirach 5

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.	1 Rely not on your wealth; say not: "I have the power."
2 Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:	2 Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart.
3 And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.	3 Say not: "Who can prevail against me?" for the LORD will exact the punishment.
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.	4 Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" for the LORD bides his time.
5 Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:	5 Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon 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.	6 Say not: "Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive."
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.	7 For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath.
8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.	8 Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day;
9 Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.	9 For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed.
10 Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.	10 Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.
11 Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.	11 Winnow not in every wind, and start not off in every direction.
12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.	12 Be consistent in your thoughts; steadfast be your words.
13 Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.	13 Be swift to hear, but slow to answer.
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.	14 If you have the knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth.
15 Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.	15 Honor and dishonor through talking! A man's tongue can be his downfall.
	16 Be not called a detractor; use not your tongue for calumny;
	17 For shame has been created for the thief, and the reproach of his neighbor for the double-tongued.