Sirach 7:3-19
-
3 My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold.
-
4 Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.
-
5 justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king.
-
6 Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity; lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.
-
7 Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people.
-
8 Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.
-
9 Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.
-
10 Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
-
11 Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
-
12 Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.
-
13 Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.
-
14 Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.
-
15 Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.
-
16 Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.
-
17 Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms.
-
18 Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
-
19 Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold.