Sirach 5

1 Set not 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 control 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.