Chapters
Ecclesiasticus (51 chapters)
Ecclesiasticus 8
1
Contend not with a mighty man, Lest haply thou fall into his hands.
2
Strive not with a rich man, lest haply he overweigh thee: For gold hath destroyed many, And turned aside the hearts of kings.
3
Contend not with a man that is full of tongue, And heap not wood upon his fire.
4
Jest not with a rude man, Lest thine ancestors be dishonoured.
5
Reproach not a man when he turneth from sin: Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
6
Dishonour not a man in his old age; For some of us also are waxing old.
7
Rejoice not over one that is dead: Remember that we die all.
8
Neglect not the discourse of the wise, And be conversant with their proverbs; For of them thou shalt learn instruction, And how to minister to great men.
9
Miss not the discourse of the aged; For they also learned of their fathers: Because from them thou shalt learn understanding, And to give answer in time of need.
10
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, Lest thou be burned with the flame of his fire.
1
Notes
+
Gr. fire of his flame.
11
Rise not up from the presence of an insolent man, Lest he lie in wait as an ambush for thy mouth.
12
Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself; And if thou lend, be as one that hath lost.
13
Be not surety above thy power: And if thou be surety, take thought as one that will have to pay.
14
Go not to law with a judge; For according to his honour will they give judgement for him.
15
Go not in the way with a rash man, Lest he be aggrieved with thee; For he will do according to his own will, And thou shalt perish with his folly.
16
Fight not with a wrathful man, And travel not with him through the desert: For blood is as nothing in his sight; And where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.
17
Take not counsel with a fool; For he will not be able to conceal the matter.
18
Do no secret thing before a stranger; For thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
1
Notes
+
Or, it
19
Open not thine heart to every man; And let him not return thee a favour.