Sirach - Chapter 8

Passage

Strive not with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands. Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against you. For gold and silver has destroyed many, and has reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them. Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire. Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak ill of your family. Despise not a man that turns away from sin, nor reproach him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof. Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old. Rejoice not at the death of your enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death. Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs. For of them you shall learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame. Let not the discourse of the ancients escape you, for they have learned of their fathers: For of them you shall learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need. Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest you be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins. Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest he sit as a spy to entrap you in your words. Lend not to a man that is mightier than yourself: and if you lend, count it as lost. Be not surety above your power: and if you are surety, think as if you were to pay it. Judge not against a judge: for he judges according to that which is just. Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden you with his evils: for he goes according to his own will, and you shall perish together with his folly. Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow you. Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them. Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for you do not know what he will bring forth. Open not your heart to every man: lest he repay you with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to you.