Sirach 9

1Do not be jealous of the wife in your bosom, lest you teach against yourself an evil lesson.

2Do not give your soul to a woman, to let her tread on your heights.

3Do not approach a foreign woman, lest you fall into her snares.

4Do not keep company with a prostitute, lest you be caught by her enticements.

5Do not debase yourself by the sight of your eyes, nor be appalled after her house.

6Do not associate with singing women, lest they burn you with their mouths.

7Do not gaze at a virgin, lest you be ensnared by the penalties concerning her.

8Do not give yourself to a prostitute, lest you squander your inheritance.

9Turn your eyes away from a graceful woman, and do not gaze at beauty that is not yours.

10Do not abandon an old friend, for a new one is not equal to him; a new friend is like new wine—when it grows old, you will drink it with gladness.

11Do not dine with her husband, and do not sit drinking with him while drunk.

12Lest your heart turn aside to them, and in blood you be brought down to the Pit.

13Keep far away from a man who has authority to kill, and you will not have to fear death.

14New wine, a new friend; when it grows old, you may drink it with pleasure.

15Do not envy a wicked man, for you do not know what his day will be.

16Let your thoughts be with the discerning, and let all your speech be in the law of the Most High.

17Keep far from a man who has power to kill, and do not fear the terrors of death.

18In the hand of craftsmen a work will be praised, and the ruler of a people is wise in his speech.

19Know that you will tread among traps, and walk about up to a net.

20By your strength acquire your friend, and associate yourself with the wise.