Sir 5
1
Set your heart upon your goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.
2
Follow not your own mind and your strength, to walk in the ways of your heart:
3
And say not, Who shall control me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge your
pride.
4
Say not, I have sinned, and what harm has happened to me? for the Lord is patient,
he will in no wise let you go.
5
Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin to sin:
6
And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins:
for mercy and anger come from him, and his indignation rests upon sinners.
7
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly
shall the anger of the Lord come forth, and in your security you shall be destroyed,
and perish in the day of vengeance.
8
Set not your heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit you in the
day of calamity.
9
Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so does the sinner that
has a double tongue.
10
Be steadfast in your understanding; and let your word be the same.
11
Be swift to hear; and let your life be sincere; and with patience give answer.
12
If you have understanding, answer your neighbour; if not, lay your hand upon your
mouth.
13
Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.
14
Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with your tongue: for a foul shame
is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.
15
Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.