KJVA - Sirach - 8

8:1  Strive not with a mighty man’ lest thou fall into his hands.

8:2  Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.

8:3  Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.

8:4  Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.

8:5  Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

8:6  Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.

8:7  Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.

8:8  Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.

8:9  Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.

8:10  Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.

8:11  Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words

8:12  Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.

8:13  Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.

8:14  Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.

8:15  Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.

8:16  Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.

8:17  Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.

8:18  Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.

8:19  Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.