Sirach 28

1The one who takes vengeance will find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in mind.

2Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then, when you pray, your sins will be released.

3A man keeps anger against a man, and seeks healing from the Lord?

4He has no mercy on a man like himself, yet he asks for his own sins to be forgiven?

5He, being flesh, keeps wrath; who then will make atonement for his sins?

6Remember the end, and stop being hostile; remember decay and death, and remain in the commandments.

7Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance.

8Keep away from strife, and you will lessen sins;

9For an angry man kindles strife, and a sinful man stirs up friends, and among those making peace he casts slander.

10As the fuel of a fire, so it will be kindled; according to a man's strength, so will his wrath be; and according to his wealth he will raise up his anger, and according to the firmness of the conflict it will be kindled.

11A hastened quarrel kindles fire, and a hasty fight pours out blood.

12There was a coal before him; he blew on it, and it blazed up.

13Curse the whisperer and the double-tongued, for they have destroyed many who were at peace.

14A third tongue has shaken many and scattered them from nation to nation,

15A third tongue has driven out strong women, and has deprived them of the fruit of their labor;

16Whoever pays attention to it will never find rest, nor will he settle down in peace.

17A blow from a whip makes welts, but a blow from the tongue shatters bones.

18Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as those who have fallen because of the tongue.

19Blessed is the one sheltered from it, who has not passed through its wrath, who has not drawn its yoke, and has not been bound in its chains.

20For her yoke is an iron yoke, and her bonds are bronze bonds.

21Its death is an evil death, and its Hades is more advantageous.

22It will never overpower the godly, and they will not be burned in its flame.

23Those who forsake the Lord will fall into it, and it will burn among them and will certainly not be quenched; it will be sent against them like a lion, and like a leopard it will ravage them.

24See, fence in your property with thorns; bind up your silver and your gold.

25And make for your words a balance and a measure, and make for your mouth a door and a bolt.

26Take care lest you slip by it, lest you fall before one lying in wait.