Sirach 5

1Do not set your heart on your wealth,

nor say, "I have enough."

2Do not follow your inclination and strength,

walking according to the desires of your heart.

3Do not say, "Who will have power over me?"

for the Lord will surely punish you.

4Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?"

for the Lord is slow to anger.

5Do not be so confident of atonement

that you add sin to sin.

6Do not say, "His mercy is great,

he will forgivea the multitude of my sins,"

for both mercy and wrath are with him,

and his anger rests on sinners.

7Do not delay to turn to the Lord,

nor postpone it from day to day;

for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth,

and at the time of punishment you will perish.

8Do not depend on dishonest wealth,

for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.

9Do not winnow with every wind,

nor follow every path:

the double-tongued sinner does that.

10Be steadfast in your understanding,

and let your speech be consistent.

11Be quick to hear,

and be deliberate in answering.

12If you have understanding, answer your neighbor;

but if not, put your hand on your mouth.

13Glory and dishonor come from speaking,

and a man's tongue is his downfall.

14Do not be called a slanderer,

and do not lie in ambush with your tongue;

for shame comes to the thief,

and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.

15In great and small matters do not act amiss,

and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;