Sirach 7

1Do not do evil, and evil will not overtake you; keep far from iniquity, and it will turn away from you.

2Do not sow furrows of injustice against a brother, lest you reap it sevenfold.

3Do not seek authority from God, nor from the king a seat of honor.

4Do not justify yourself before a king, and do not show understanding before a king.

5Do not seek to become a ruler if you have no strength to put an end to insolence.

6Do not cower before a noble, lest you set a bribe against your integrity.

7Do not make yourself guilty in the assembly at the gates of God, and do not bring yourself down in the congregation.

8Do not add sin a second time, for even for one you will not go unpunished.

9Do not be hasty in the army, for it is laborious work allotted by God.

10Do not be fainthearted in your prayer, and do not neglect to give alms.

11Do not despise a man in bitterness of spirit; remember that there is one who exalts and humbles.

12Do not plot violence against a brother, nor do the like against a friend or companion together.

13Do not desire to repeat a lie, for its outcome is not good.

14Do not chatter in the assembly of rulers, and do not repeat a word in your prayer.

15Do not count yourself among the people’s dead; remember that passing away will not pass over.

16Humble pride very much, for the hope of man is worms.

17Humble your soul greatly.

18Do not trade away a friend for a price, or a brother who is worth the gold of Ophir.

19Do not despise an intelligent wife, for her graciousness is better than pearls.

20Do not mistreat a faithful servant, nor a hired laborer who gives himself.

21Love an intelligent servant as yourself, and do not withhold freedom from him.

22Do you have livestock? Keep your eye on it; and if it is profitable, keep it.

23Do you have sons? Discipline them, and get wives for them in their youth.

24Do you have daughters? Guard their chastity, and do not show them a cheerful face.

25Marry off a daughter, and the matter will be settled; and give her to an intelligent man.

26Do not despise a wife who is yours, and do not trust one you hate.

27With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the labor pains of your mother.

28Remember that if not for them, you would not have come into the world; and what can you do for them as they have done for you?

29With all your heart fear God, and honor his priests.

30With all your strength, love your Maker, and do not forsake his ministers.

31Honor God and honor the priest, and give them their portion, as you were commanded.

32Bread of the mighty and an offering of the hand, sacrifices of righteousness and a holy contribution.

33Also stretch out your hand to the poor, so that your blessing may be complete.

34Give a gift before every living person, and do not withhold kindness even from the dead.

35Do not delay with those who weep, and mourn with those who mourn.

36In all your words remember your end, and you will never sin.