Sirach 8
King James Version
- 1Strive not with a mighty man’ lest thou fall into his hands.
- 2Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
- 3Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
- 4Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
- 5Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
- 6Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.
- 7Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
- 11Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words
- 12Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
- 13Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
- 14Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.
- 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.
- 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.
- 17Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
- 18Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
- 19Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.
King James Version (Authorized Version), public domain. USFM edition by eBible.org (https://ebible.org/eng-kjv/). Public Domain. Sources and licences