Ecclesiasticus, 5
We must not presume of our wealth or strength: nor of the mercy of God, to go on in sin: we must be steadfast in virtue and truth.
[1] Set not thy heart upon unjust possessions, and say not: I have enough to live on: for it shall be of no service in the time of vengeance and darkness. •
[2] Follow not in thy strength the desires of thy heart: •
[3] And say not: How mighty am I? and who shall bring me under for my deeds? for God will surely take revenge. •
[4] Say not: I have sinned, and what harm hath befallen me? for the most High is a patient rewarder. •
[5] Be not without fear about sin forgiven, and add not sin upon sin: •
[6] And say not: The mercy of the Lord is great, he will have mercy on the multitude of my sins.
[7] For mercy and wrath quickly come from him, and his wrath looketh upon sinners. •
[8] Delay not to be converted to the Lord, and defer it not from day to day. •
[9] For his wrath shall come on a sudden, and in the time of vengeance he will destroy thee.
[10] Be not anxious for goods unjustly gotten: for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity and revenge. •
[11] Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so is every sinner proved by a double tongue. •
[12] Be steadfast in the way of the Lord, and in the truth of thy judgment, and in knowledge, and let the word of peace and justice keep with thee. •
[13] Be meek to hear the word, that thou mayst understand: and return a true answer with wisdom. •
[14] If thou have understanding, answer thy neighbour: but if not, let thy hand be upon thy mouth, lest thou be surprised in an unskilful word, and be confounded. •
[15] Honour and glory is in the word of the wise, but the tongue of the fool is his ruin.
[16] Be not called a whisperer, and be not taken in thy tongue, and confounded. •
[17] For confusion and repentance is upon a thief, and an evil mark of disgrace upon the double tongued, but to the whisperer hatred, and enmity, and reproach.
[18] Justify alike the small and the great. •