1 Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands. (WEB) 2 Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings. (WEB) 3 Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire. (WEB) 4 Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored. (WEB) 5 Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment. (WEB) 6 Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old. (WEB) 7 Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die. (WEB) 8 Don’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. (WEB) 9 Don’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. (WEB) 10 Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire. (WEB) 11 Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth. (WEB) 12 Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a loss. (WEB) 13 Don’t be surety beyond your means. If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay. (WEB) 14 Don’t go to law with a judge; for according to his honor they will give judgment for him. (WEB) 15 Don’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. (WEB) 16 Don’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. (WEB) 17 Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret. (WEB) 18 Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause. (WEB) 19 Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor. (WEB)
Sirach 8:1–19
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 26:3–5
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 23:8–10
8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Proverbs 22:23–25
23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. 24 Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, 25 or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
Proverbs 3:29–31
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. 30 Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
Sirach 4:26–28
26 Don’t be ashamed to confess your sins. Don’t fight the river’s current. (WEB) 27 Don’t lay yourself down for a fool to tread upon. Don’t be partial to one who is mighty. (WEB) 28 Strive for the truth to death, and the Lord God will fight for you. (WEB)
Proverbs 14:6–8
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
Sirach 9:10–12
10 Don’t forsake an old friend; for a new one is not comparable to him. A new friend is like new wine: if it becomes old, you will drink it with gladness. (WEB) 11 Don’t envy the success of a sinner; for you don’t know what his end will be. (WEB) 12 Don’t delight in the delights of… (WEB)
Sirach 37:9–11
9 and say to you, “Your way is good.” Then he will stand near you, to see what will happen to you. (WEB) 10 Don’t take counsel with one who looks askance at you. Hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you. (WEB) 11 Don’t consult with a woman about her rival, with a coward… (WEB)
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