Sirach 8

¹Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands.

²Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings.

³Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire.

⁴Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored.

⁵Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

⁶Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old.

⁷Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die.† (1 connection)

⁸Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise. Be conversant with their proverbs; for from them you will learn discipline and how to serve great men.

⁹Don’t miss the discourse of the aged, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.

¹⁰Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire.

¹¹Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth.

¹²Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a loss.

¹³Don’t be surety beyond your means. If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay.

¹⁴Don’t go to law with a judge; for according to his honor they will give judgment for him.† (1 connection)

¹⁵Don’t travel with a reckless man, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will do as he pleases, and you will perish with his folly.

¹⁶Don’t fight with a wrathful man. Don’t travel with him through the desert, for blood is as nothing in his sight. Where there is no help, he will overthrow you.

¹⁷Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.† (1 connection)

¹⁸Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause.

¹⁹Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor.⇄ (1 connection)