Sirach 8

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.	1 Do not try conclusions with anyone influential, in case you later fal into his clutches.
2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.	2 Do not quarrel with anyone rich, in case he puts his weight against you; for gold has destroyed many,and has swayed the hearts of kings.
3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.	3 Do not argue with anyone argumentative, do not pile wood on that fire.
4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.	4 Do not joke with anyone uncouth, for fear of hearing your ancestors insulted.
5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.	5 Do not revile a repentant sinner; remember that we al are guilty.
6 Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.	6 Do not despise anyone in old age; after all, some of us too are growing old.
7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.	7 Do not gloat over anyone's death; remember that we al have to die.
8 Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.	8 Do not scorn the discourse of the wise, but make yourself familiar with their maxims, since from theseyou wil learn the theory and the art of serving the great.
9 Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.	9 Do not dismiss what the old people have to say, for they too were taught by their parents; from them youwil learn how to think, and the art of the timely answer.
10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.	10 Do not kindle the coals of the sinner, in case you scorch yourself in his blaze.
11 Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words	11 Refuse to be provoked by the insolent, for fear that such a one try to trap you in your words.
12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.	12 Do not lend to anyone who is stronger than you are -- if you do lend, resign yourself to loss.
13 Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.	13 Do not stand surety beyond your means; if you do stand surety, be prepared to pay up.
14 Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.	14 Do not go to law with a judge, since judgement wil be given in his favour.
15 Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.	15 Do not go travel ing with a rash man, for fear he becomes burdensome to you; he wil act as the whimtakes him, and you wil both be ruined by his fol y.
16 Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.	16 Do not argue with a quick-tempered man, do not go with him where there are no other people, sinceblood counts for nothing in his eyes, and where no help is to be had, he wil strike you down.
17 Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.	17 Do not ask a fool for advice, since a fool wil not be able to keep a confidence.
18 Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.	18 In a stranger's presence do nothing that should be kept secret, since you cannot tel what use thestranger will make of it.
19 Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.	19 Do not open your heart to al comers, nor lay claim to their good offices.