World English Bible

Sirach 7:2-21 World English Bible (WEB)

2. Depart from wrong, and it shall turn aside from you.

3. My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, And you shall not reap them sevenfold.

4. Seek not of the Lord preeminence, Neither of the king the seat of honor.

5. Justify not yourself in the presence of the Lord; And display not your wisdom before the king.

6. Seek not to be a judge, Lest you be not able to take away iniquities; Lest haply you fear the person of a mighty man, And lay a stumbling block in the way of your uprightness.

7. Sin not against the multitude of the city, And cast not yourself down in the crowd.

8. Bind not up sin twice; For in one sin you shall not be unpunished.

9. Say not, He will look upon the multitude of my gifts, And when I offer to the Most High God, he will accept it.

10. Be not faint-hearted in your prayer; And neglect not to give alms.

11. Laugh not a man to scorn when he is in the bitterness of his soul; For there is one who humbles and exalts.

12. Devise not a lie against your brother; Neither do the like to a friend.

13. Love not to make any manner of lie; For the custom thereof is not for good.

14. Prate not in the multitude of elders; And repeat not your words in your prayer.

15. Hate not laborious work; Neither husbandry, which the Most High has ordained.

16. Number not yourself among the multitude of sinners: Remember that wrath will not wait.

17. Humble your soul greatly; For the punishment of the ungodly man is fire and the worm.

18. Change not a friend for a thing indifferent; Neither a true brother for the gold of Ophir.

19. Forgo not a wise and good wife; For her grace is above gold.

20. Entreat not evil a servant that works truly, Nor a hireling that gives you his life.

21. Let your soul love a wise servant; Defraud him not of liberty.