Sirach

Chapter 5

   1 Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.
   2 Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:
   3 And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.
   4 Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.
   5 Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto 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 resteth 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 thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.
   8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
   9 Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.
   10 Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.
   11 Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.
   12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
   13 Honour 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 thy 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.