Sirach, Chapter 9
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1
Do not be jealous of the wife of your bosom;Or else you will teach evil concerning yourself.
2
Do not be zealous to give your soul to a woman;So that you cause her to walk on your high places.
3
Do not come near to a strange woman;Or else you will fall into her snares.
4
Do not sleep with a female musician;Or else distracting admiration will burn you.
5
Do not think about a virgin;Or else you will be snared by her fines.
6
Do not give your soul to a prostitute;Or else you will turn away your inheritance.
7
Your eyes will make a fool of yourself in a vision;And you will be made desolate behind her house.
8
Hide your eye from a graceful woman;And do not look at beauty that is not yours.On account of a woman many have been destroyed;And so she will burn her lovers with fire.
9
Do not taste with her husband;And do not turn away with him drinking.Or else you will incline your heart to her;And your blood will incline to destruction.
10
Do not forsake an old friend;For a new one is not acquainted with you.New wine [is like a] new friend;And after it is old, then you will drink it.
11
Do not be jealous of a wicked man;For you do not know what his day [will be].
12
Do not be jealous of a proud man who prospers;Remember that at the time of death he will not go unpunished.
13
Be far from a man who has the authority to kill;And you will not fear the dread of death.And if you have come near, do not be guilty;Or else he will take your breath.Know that you will be marching among snares;And you will be walking on nets.
14
According to your ability, answer your fellow man;But with those who are wise, reveal yourself.
15
Let what you think be with him who has understanding;And [let] all that is your secret [be] among them.
16
Share your bread with righteous men;And let your glory be in the fear of God.
17
The wise of hands controls his work;And a ruler [who controls] his people is wise.
18
Rash talk is feared on account of a man of tongue;And the burden on his mouth will be hated.