Home Master Index
←Prev   Sirach 5 as rendered by/in  Next→ 


5:1  Do not rely on your wealth, or say, “I have the power.”
5:2  Do not rely on your strength in following the desires of your heart.
5:3  Do not say, “Who can prevail against me?” for the Lord will exact punishment.
5:4  Do not say, “I have sinned, yet what has happened to me?” for the Lord is slow to anger!
5:5  Do not be so confident of forgiveness that you add sin upon sin.
5:6  Do not say, “His mercy is great; my many sins he will forgive.” For mercy and anger alike are with him; his wrath comes to rest on the wicked.
5:7  Do not delay turning back to the Lord, do not put it off day after day. For suddenly his wrath will come forth; at the time of vengeance, you will perish.
5:8  Do not rely on deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.
5:9  Do not winnow in every wind, nor walk in every path.
5:10  Be steadfast regarding your knowledge, and let your speech be consistent.
5:11  Be swift to hear, but slow to answer.
5:12  If you can, answer your neighbor; if not, place your hand over your mouth!
5:13  Honor and dishonor through speaking! The tongue can be your downfall.
5:14  Do not be called double-tongued; and with your tongue do not slander a neighbor. For shame has been created for the thief, and sore disgrace for the double-tongued.
5:15  In little or in much, do not act corruptly;