Sirach 8

¹ Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands.

² Do not quarrel with a rich man, lest his resources outweigh yours; for gold has ruined many, and has perverted the minds of kings.

³ Do not argue with a chatterer, nor heap wood on his fire.

⁴ Do not jest with an ill-bred person, lest your ancestors be disgraced.

⁵ Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we all deserve punishment.

⁶ Do not disdain a man when he is old, for some of us are growing old.

⁷ Do not rejoice over any one's death; remember that we all must die.

⁸ Do not slight the discourse of the sages, but busy yourself with their maxims; because from them you will gain instruction and learn how to serve great men.

⁹ Do not disregard the discourse of the aged, for they themselves learned from their fathers; because from them you will gain understanding and learn how to give an answer in time of need.

¹⁰ Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned in his flaming fire.

¹¹ Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words.

¹² Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; but if you do lend anything, be as one who has lost it.

¹³ Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.

¹⁴ Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing.

¹⁵ Do not travel on the road with a foolhardy fellow, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will act as he pleases, and through his folly you will perish with him.

¹⁶ Do not fight with a wrathful man, and do not cross the wilderness with him; because blood is as nothing in his sight, and where no help is at hand, he will strike you down.

¹⁷ Do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.

¹⁸ In the presence of a stranger do nothing that is to be kept secret, for you do not know what he will divulge

¹⁹ Do not reveal your thoughts to every one, lest you drive away your good luck.