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Sirach 8

1Strive not with a mighty man’ lest thou fall into his hands.
1Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you 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.
2Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings.
3Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
3Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire.
4Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
4Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored.
5Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
5Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
6Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.
6Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old.
7Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.
7Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
10Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned 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
11Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth.
12Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
12Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a loss.
13Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
13Don’t be surety beyond your means. If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay.
14Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.
14Don’t go to law with a judge; for according to his honor they will give judgment for him.
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.
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.
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.
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.
17Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
17Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.
18Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
18Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause.
19Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.
19Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor.