Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Chapter 8

¹Strive not with a mighty man’ lest thou 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. ³Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire. ⁴Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced. ⁵Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

⁶Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old. ⁷Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all. 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. 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. ¹⁰Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt 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 ¹²Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost. ¹³Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it. ¹⁴Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour. 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.

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. ¹⁷Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel. ¹⁸Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth. ¹⁹Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.