Chapter Five

Do not rely too much on your possessions. Do not follow the vile desires of your soul. Do not be deceived by your temporary impunity. Be firm in your righteous convictions.

Sirach 5:1. Do not rely on your possessions, and do not say, “They will secure my life. 1. Earthly possessions acquired by a person are changeable and do not in themselves ensure their possessor’s well-being. Today’s rich man can become a poor man tomorrow.

Sirach 5:2. Do not follow the desire of your soul and your strength, so as to walk in the passions of your heart, Sirach 5:3. and do not say, “Who has authority over my deeds?” for the Lord will surely take vengeance for your audacity. Sirach 5:4. Do not say, “I have sinned, and what has come to me?” for the Lord is patient. Sirach 5:5. At the thought of making atonement, do not be fearless, so as not to add sin to sins Sirach 5:6. and do not say, “His mercy is great; He will forgive my many sins”; Sirach 5:7. for with Him there is both mercy and wrath, and His wrath rests upon sinners. Sirach 5:8. Do not delay in turning to the Lord, and do not put off from day to day: Sirach 5:9. for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come upon you, and you will perish at the time of His vengeance. Sirach 5:10. Do not rely on unrighteous possessions, for they will not profit you on the day of visitation. 10. Unrighteous possessions – riches acquired through violation of righteousness – will not save the sinner on the day when the Lord visits him.

Sirach 5:11. Do not blow about with every wind, and do not walk on every path: such is the way of a double-tongued sinner. 11. Relates to verse 12.

Sirach 5:12. Be firm in your conviction, and let your word be one. Sirach 5:13. Be quick to listen, and give your answer thoughtfully. Sirach 5:14. If you have knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, let your hand be on your lips. Sirach 5:15. In speech there is both glory and shame, and the tongue of a person becomes a falling block for him. 15. Intelligent and pious speech is glory to the speaker; foolish and impious speech is shame and ruin to him.

Sirach 5:16. Do not become known as a gossip, and do not plot with your tongue: Sirach 5:17. for shame rests on the thief, and evil condemnation on the double-tongued. Sirach 5:18. Do not be foolish in anything, whether great or small.