Sirach - Chapter 28

Passage

He that seeks to revenge himself, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance. Forgive your neighbor if he has hurt you: and then shall your sins be forgiven to you when you pray. Man to man reserves anger, and does he seek remedy of God? He has no mercy on a man like himself, and does he entreat for his own sins? He that is but flesh, nourishes anger, and does he ask forgiveness of God? who shall obtain pardon for his sins? Remember your last things, and let enmity cease: For corruption and death hang over in his commandments. Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with your neighbor. Remember the covenant of the most High, and overlook the ignorance of your neighbor. Refrain from strife, and you shall diminish your sins. For a passionate man kindles strife, and a sinful man will trouble his friends, and bring in debate in the midst of them that are at peace. For as the wood of the forest is, so the fire burns, and as a man's strength is, so shall his anger be, and according to his riches he shall increase his anger. A hasty contention kindles a fire and a hasty quarrel sheds blood and a tongue that bears witness brings death. If you blow the spark, it shall burn as a fire: and if you spit upon it, it shall be quenched: both come out of the mouth. The whisperer and the double tongue is accursed: for he has troubled many that were at peace. The tongue of a third person has disquieted many, and scattered them from nation to nation. It has destroyed the strong cities of the rich, and has overthrown the houses of great men. It has cut in pieces the forces of people, and undone strong nations. The tongue of a third person has cast out valiant women, and deprived them of their labors. He that hearkens to it, shall never have rest, neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose. The stroke of a whip makes a blue mark: but the stroke of the tongue will break the bones. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have perished by their own tongue. Blessed is he that is defended from a wicked tongue, that has not passed into the wrath thereof, and that has not drawn the yoke thereof, and has not been bound in its bands. For its yoke is a yoke of iron: and its bands are bands of brass. The death thereof is a most evil death: and hell is preferable to it. Its continuance shall not be for a long time, but it shall possess the ways of the unjust: and the just shall not be burnt with its flame. They that forsake God shall fall into it, and it shall burn in them, and shall not be quenched, and it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and as a leopard it shall tear them. Hedge in your ears with thorns, hear not a wicked tongue, and make doors and bars to your mouth. Melt down your gold and silver, and make a balance for your words, and a just bridle for your mouth: And take heed lest you slip with your tongue, and fall in the sight of your enemies who lie in wait for you, and your fall be incurable to death.