Sirach 5

1Do not rely on your wealth, and do not say, “I have the power.”

2Do not rely on your own strength to walk after the desire of your soul.

3Do not go after your heart and your eyes, to walk in evil desires.

4Do not say, “Who can withstand his power?” for Yahweh seeks the persecuted.

5Do not say, “I have sinned, and what has been done to me? Nothing,” for God is patient.

6Do not say, “The LORD is compassionate; he will wipe away all my iniquities.”

7Do not rely on forgiveness to add sin to sin.

8And you said, “His mercies are many; for the multitude of my iniquities he will forgive.”

9For mercy and anger are with him, and his wrath comes to rest on the wicked.

10Do not delay to return to him, and do not put it off from day to day.

11For suddenly his wrath will come forth, and at the time of vengeance you will be swept away.

12Do not trust in deceitful wealth, for it will not profit in the day of wrath.

13Do not be a winnower to every wind, or walk on the path of the storm.

14Be firm in your understanding, and let your word be one.

15Be quick to listen, and with patience give a reply.