Sirach 8 — BST
8Verse 1Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.Verse 2Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.Verse 3Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.Verse 4Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.Verse 5Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.Verse 6Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.Verse 7Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.Verse 8Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.Verse 9Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.Verse 10Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.Verse 11Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words.Verse 12Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.Verse 13Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.Verse 14Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.Verse 15Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.Verse 16Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight; and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.Verse 17Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.Verse 18Do no secret thing before a stranger: for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.Verse 19Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.