Sirach 5

1Do not set your heart on your possessions, And do not say, "I am independent."

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2Do not follow yourself and your strength So as to walk in the desires of your heart;

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3And do not say, 'Who will be lord over me?' For the Lord will surely punish you.

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4Do not say, 'I sinned, so what happened to me?' For the Lord is patient.

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5Do not be so confident of atonement That you add sin to sin;

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6And do not say, 'His compassion is great; He will atone for the multitude of my sins,' For both mercy and wrath come from Him; And His anger rests on sinners.

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7Do not delay to turn to the Lord, And do not put it off from day to day; For suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come forth, And in the day of vengeance, you will perish.

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8Do not set your heart on dishonest wealth, For it will profit you nothing in the day of distress.

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9Do not winnow with every wind And do not follow every road; For a double-tongued sinner is of such a kind.

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10Be established in your understanding And let your word be consistent.

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11Be quick to listen And give your answer with patience.

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12If you have understanding, answer your neighbor, But if not, let your hand be over your mouth.

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13There is glory and dishonor in speech, And a man's tongue may cause him to fall.

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14Do not be called a slanderer, And do not lie in ambush with your tongue; For shame awaits a thief, And a grievous condemnation will come upon A double-tongued man.

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15In a great or in a small matter, do not go wrong.

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