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 longsuffering, 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 wrath 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 wrath 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 stedfast 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 neighbor; if not, lay your hand upon your mouth. 13 Honor 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.
<- Sirach 4Sirach 6 ->