Chapter Eight

Avoid quarrels with someone stronger than you. Do not engage in dispute with a bold person. Do not jest with the uneducated. Do not scorn the weak and the elderly. Do not take malicious pleasure in anyone’s misfortune. Learn from the wise. Be cautious in all your dealings.

Sirach 8:1. Do not quarrel with a powerful man, so that you may not fall into his hands. Sirach 8:2. Do not start a lawsuit with a rich man, so that he may not have the advantage over you; Sirach 8:3. for gold has destroyed many, and has swayed the hearts of kings. Sirach 8:4. Do not dispute with a man bold of tongue, and do not add fuel to his fire. Sirach 8:5. Do not jest with the uneducated, so that your ancestors may not be disgraced. Sirach 8:6. Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we are all under judgment. 6. Compare 2 Chr 6:36; John 8:7; 2 Cor 2:7; Gal 6:1. Remembering your own sinful weakness and responsibility before the judgment of God, you should not despise the sinner, but help him as much as possible in the matter of moral improvement.

Sirach 8:7. Do not despise a man in his old age, for we ourselves also grow old. Sirach 8:8. Do not rejoice in the death of anyone, even if he were your greatest enemy: remember that we all must die. Sirach 8:9. Do not despise the counsel of the wise and study their sayings; Sirach 8:10. for from them you will learn knowledge and how to serve the powerful. Sirach 8:11. Do not turn away from the counsel of the elderly, for they learned from their fathers; Sirach 8:12. and you will learn from them prudence and how to give a fitting answer when there is need. Sirach 8:13. Do not kindle the coals of the sinner, so that you may not be burned by the flame of his fire; Sirach 8:14. and do not rise up against an insolent man, so that he may not lay an ambush for you in his words. Sirach 8:15. Do not lend to someone stronger than you; but if you do lend, consider yourself as having lost it. Sirach 8:16. Do not guarantee beyond your ability; and if you do guarantee, be ready to pay as if obligated. Sirach 8:17. Do not go to law with a judge, for he will be judged according to his position. Sirach 8:18. Do not travel with a reckless man, so that he may not be a burden to you; for he will act according to his own will, and you may perish through his foolishness. Sirach 8:19. Do not start a quarrel with a quick-tempered man, and do not travel with him through the desert; for bloodshed is nothing in his eyes, and where there is no help, he will strike you down. Sirach 8:20. Do not take counsel with a fool, for he cannot keep the matter secret. Sirach 8:21. Do not do anything secret in the presence of a stranger, for you do not know what he will do. Sirach 8:22. Do not reveal your whole heart to everyone, so that he may not repay you with evil.