SIR Intro C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 C16 C17 C18 C19 C20 C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38 C39 C40 C41 C42 C43 C44 C45 C46 C47 C48 C49 C50 C51

WEBBE SIR Chapter 8

◄ SIR 8 ► ║ ©

8 Don’t contend with a mighty man,

lest perhaps you fall into his hands.

2 Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you;

for gold has destroyed many,

and turned away the hearts of kings.

3 Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man.

Don’t heap wood upon his fire.

4 Don’t make fun of a rude man,

lest your ancestors be dishonoured.

5 Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin.

Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

6 Don’t dishonour a man in his old age,

for some of us are also growing old.

7 Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death.

Remember that we all die.

8 Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise.

Be conversant with their proverbs;

for from them you will learn discipline

and how to serve great men.

9 Don’t miss the discourse of the aged,

for they also learnt from their parents,

because from them you will learn understanding,

and to give an answer in time of need.

10 Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner,

lest you be burnt with the flame of his fire.

11 Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man,

lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth.

12 Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you;

and if you lend, count it as a loss.

13 Don’t be surety beyond your means.

If you give surety, think as one who will have to pay.

14 Don’t go to law with a judge;

for according to his honour they will give judgement for him.

15 Don’t travel with a reckless man,

lest he be burdensome to you;

for he will do as he pleases,

and you will perish with his folly.

16 Don’t fight with a wrathful man.

Don’t travel with him through the desert,

for blood is as nothing in his sight.

Where there is no help, he will overthrow you.

17 Don’t consult with a fool,

for he will not be able to keep a secret.

18 Do no secret thing before a stranger,

for you don’t know what it will cause.

19 Don’t open your heart to every man.

Don’t let him return you a favour.