1 Do not try conclusions with anyone influential, in case you later fall into his clutches.
2 Do not quarrel with anyone rich, in case he puts his weight against you; for gold has destroyed many, and has swayed the hearts of kings.
3 Do not argue with anyone argumentative, do not pile wood on that fire.
4 Do not joke with anyone uncouth, for fear of hearing your ancestors insulted.
5 Do not revile a repentant sinner; remember that we all are guilty.
6 Do not despise anyone in old age; after all, some of us too are growing old.
7 Do not gloat over anyone's death; remember that we all have to die.
8 Do not scorn the discourse of the wise, but make yourself familiar with their maxims, since from these you will learn the theory and the art of serving the great.
9 Do not dismiss what the old people have to say, for they too were taught by their parents; from them you will learn how to think, and the art of the timely answer.
10 Do not kindle the coals of the sinner, in case you scorch yourself in his blaze.
11 Refuse to be provoked by the insolent, for fear that such a one try to trap you in your words.
12 Do not lend to anyone who is stronger than you are -- if you do lend, resign yourself to loss.
13 Do not stand surety beyond your means; if you do stand surety, be prepared to pay up.
14 Do not go to law with a judge, since judgement will be given in his favour.
15 Do not go travelling with a rash man, for fear he becomes burdensome to you; he will act as the whim takes him, and you will both be ruined by his folly.
16 Do not argue with a quick-tempered man, do not go with him where there are no other people, since blood counts for nothing in his eyes, and where no help is to be had, he will strike you down.
17 Do not ask a fool for advice, since a fool will not be able to keep a confidence.
18 In a stranger's presence do nothing that should be kept secret, since you cannot tell what use the stranger will make of it.
19 Do not open your heart to all comers, nor lay claim to their good offices.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiasticus, 8:
Ecclesiastical 8 contains a series of advice on how to act on delicate situations, especially with regard to justice and prudence. The chapter emphasizes the importance of not getting involved in unnecessary conflicts and avoiding associating with people who can corrupt our behavior. Following are five verses related to these themes:
Proverbs 14:16: "The wise fears and avoids evil, but the fool is fiery and careless." This verse talks about the importance of having caution and avoiding evil, which is an important theme in ecclesiastical 8.
Proverbs 22:24-25: "Do not be associated with Iracunda people, do not walk with whom you live screaming. Because you can learn their bad customs, and so your soul will be destroyed." This verse warns against associating with people who have bad temperament or who can lead you to destructive behaviors, which is a theme present in ecclesiastical 8.
Proverbs 26:17: "The one who gets involved in a fight of others is like someone who grabs a dog by the ears." This verse illustrates the recklessness of getting involved in unnecessary conflicts, another theme present in ecclesiastical 8.
Proverbs 29:8: "Mockers cause turmoil in the city, but the wise ones calm the wrath." This verse talks about the importance of keeping calm and avoiding conflicts, especially in situations of tension, an important theme in ecclesiastical 8.
Ecclesiastes 7:9: "Do not hurry to get angry, because anger lodges in the heart of the fools." This verse talks about the importance of controlling anger, which is a theme present in ecclesiastical 8, where prudence is emphasized as an important value in decision making.
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