Sirach 5

¹ Rely not on your wealth; say not: "I have the power."

² Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart.

³ Say not: "Who can prevail against me?" for the LORD will exact the punishment.

⁴ Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" for the LORD bides his time.

⁵ Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin.

⁶ Say not: "Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive."

⁷ For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath.

⁸ Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day;

⁹ For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed.

¹⁰ Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

¹¹ Winnow not in every wind, and start not off in every direction.

¹² Be consistent in your thoughts; steadfast be your words.

¹³ Be swift to hear, but slow to answer.

¹⁴ If you have the knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth.

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.