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Ecclesiasticus
8
Strive not with a powerful man, lest thou fall into
his hands.
Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action
against thee.
For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached
even to the heart of kings, and perverted them.
Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap
not wood upon his fire.
Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak
ill of thy family.
Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach
him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof.
Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall
become old.
Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that
we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice
at our death.
Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and
wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.
For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction
of understanding, and to serve great men without blame.
Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for
they have learned of their fathers:
For of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give
an answer in time of need.
Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest
thou be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins.
Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest
he sit as a spy to entrap thee in thy words.
Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself: and
if thou lendest, count it as lost.
Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety,
think as if thou wert to pay it.
Judge not against a judge: for he judgeth according
to that which is just.
Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee
with his evils: for he goeth according to his own will,
and thou shalt perish together with his folly.
Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the
desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his
sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow
thee.
Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such
things as please them.
Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for thou
knowest not what he will bring forth.
Open not thy heart to every man: lest he repay thee
with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to thee.
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