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# Sirach, Chapter 8
## Chapter 8
### Prudence in Dealing with Others
1 Do not contend with the mighty, ^sirach-08-1
lest you fall into their power.
2 Do not quarrel with the rich, ^sirach-08-2
lest they pay out the price of your downfall.
For gold has unsettled many,
and wealth perverts the character of princes.
3 Do not quarrel with loud-mouths, ^sirach-08-3
or heap wood upon their fire.
4 Do not associate with the senseless, ^sirach-08-4
lest your ancestors be insulted.
5 Do not reproach one who turns away from sin; ^sirach-08-5
remember, we all are guilty.
6 Do not insult one who is old, ^sirach-08-6
for some of us will also grow old.
7 Do not rejoice when someone dies; ^sirach-08-7
remember, we are all to be gathered in.
8 Do not neglect the discourse of the wise, ^sirach-08-8
but busy yourself with their proverbs;
For in this way you will acquire the training
to stand in the presence of princes.
9 Do not reject the tradition of the elders ^sirach-08-9
which they have heard from their ancestors;
For from it you will learn
how to answer when the need arises.
10 Do not kindle the coals of sinners, ^sirach-08-10
lest you be burned in their flaming fire.
11 Do not give ground before scoundrels; ^sirach-08-11
it will set them in ambush against you.
12 Do not lend to one more powerful than yourself; ^sirach-08-12
or if you lend, count it as lost.
13 Do not give collateral beyond your means; ^sirach-08-13
consider any collateral a debt you must pay.
14 Do not go to court against a judge, ^sirach-08-14
for the case will be settled in his favor.
15 Do not travel with the ruthless ^sirach-08-15
lest they weigh you down with calamity;
For they will only go their own way,
and through their folly you will also perish.
16 Do not defy the quick-tempered, ^sirach-08-16
or ride with them through the desert.
For bloodshed is nothing to them;
when there is no one to help, they will destroy you.
17 Do not take counsel with simpletons, ^sirach-08-17
for they cannot keep a confidence.
18 Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret, ^sirach-08-18
for you do not know what it will produce later on.
19 Open your heart to no one, ^sirach-08-19
do not banish your happiness.
\* (8:1] – [19) The prudent will be circumspect, avoiding conflict with the powerful, the rich and insolent, the impious, the irascible, and judges (vv. [1] – [3], [10] – [12], [14], [16]). They will not associate with the undisciplined (v. [4]) or the ruthless (v. [15]), with fools or strangers (vv. [17] – [19]), but with the wise and the elders of the people (vv. [8] – [9]). Caution is a recurring theme in Ben Sira.
\* (8:3) One should avoid increasing the ire of those who are hotheaded; cf. vv. [10], [16].
\* (8:5) We all are guilty: cf. [1 Kgs 8:46]; [2 Chr 6:36]; [Jb 25:4]; [Eccl 7:20]; ([[romans-03|Rom 3]]:9] – [10]; [5:12]; ([[1-john-01|1 Jn 1]]:8].
\* (8:11) Giving in to the wicked only encourages them to take advantage.
\* (8:18) To keep a secret, or a confidence, is a major concern of Ben Sira; cf. [1:30]; [22:22]; [27:16] – [21]; [37:10]; [42:1].
a. (8:2) [Sir 31:5] – [6]; [Dt 16:19].
b. (8:3) [Prv 26:20] – [21].
c. (8:5) [1 Kgs 8:46]; ([[1-john-01|1 Jn 1]]:8].
d. (8:8] – [9) [Sir 6:34] – [36].
e. (8:12) [Sir 29:4] – [7]; [Prv 17:18].
f. (8:18) [Prv 25:9] – [10].
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_New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.
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