Catholic Public Domain Version

1 Whoever wishes for vengeance will find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely be attentive to his sins.

2 Forgive your neighbor, if he has harmed you, and then your sins will be forgiven you when you pray.

3 A man holds on to anger against another man, and does he then seek a remedy from God?

4 He has no mercy on a man like himself, and does he then entreat for his own sins?

5 He who is but flesh holds on to anger, and does he then request forgiveness from God? Who can obtain pardon for his sins in this way?

6 Remember your very end, and let animosities cease.

7 For corruption and death are suspended over his commandments.

8 Remember the fear of God, and do not be angry with your neighbor.

9 Remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the ignorant offenses of your neighbor.

10 Refrain from strife, and you will diminish your sins.

11 For a ill-tempered man enflames conflict, and a sinful man troubles his friends, and he casts hostility into the midst of those who have peace.

12 For the fire burns according to the wood of the forest. And the anger of a man burns according to the strength of the man. And according to his resources, he will exalt his anger.

13 A hasty contention kindles a fire. And a hasty quarrel sheds blood. And an accusatory tongue brings death.

14 If you blow on a spark, it will increase to a fire. But if you spit on it, it will be extinguished. Both of these proceed from the mouth.

15 The double-tongued whisperer is accursed. For he has disturbed many who had peace.

16 A third tongue has stirred up many, and has scattered them from nation to nation.

17 It has destroyed the walled cities of the wealthy, and has undermined the houses of the great.

18 It has cut down the virtues of the peoples, and has broken strong nations.

19 A third tongue has cast down virtuous women, and has deprived them of their labors.

20 Whoever favors it will not have rest, nor will he have a friend in whom he may find peace.

21 The wound of a whip causes a bruise, but the wound of the tongue will crush the bones.

22 Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue.

23 Blessed is he who is protected from a wicked tongue, who has not gone over to its wrath, and has not pulled its yoke, and has not been bound by its chains.

24 For its yoke is a yoke of iron. And its chains are chains of brass.

25 Its death is a most wicked death. And hell is more useful than it is.

26 Its continuance will not be permanent, but it will take hold of the ways of the unjust. And the just will not be burned by its flame.

27 Those who abandon God will fall by it, and it will burn within them and not be quenched. And it will be sent upon them, like a lion, and it will wound them, like a leopard.

28 Hedge your ears with thorns. Do not be willing to listen to a wicked tongue. And make doors and bars for your mouth.

29 Melt down your gold and your silver. And make a scale for your words, and an upright bridle for your mouth.

30 And be attentive, lest perhaps you may slip with your tongue, and fall in the sight of your enemies, who are lying in wait for you, and then your fall may be incurable unto death.

1 He shows mercy who lends to his neighbor, for he keeps the commandments by strengthening him.

2 Lend to your neighbor in his time of need, and receive it again from your neighbor in his time.

3 Keep your word, and act faithfully with him, and then you will find whatever you need in every time.

4 Many have treated a loan like found money, and they offered trouble to those who helped them.

5 Until they receive, they kiss the hands of the giver, and they humble their voice in promises.

6 But at the time of repayment, they will ask for more time, and they will speak annoying and complaining words, and they will make excuses for the time.

7 Then, if he is able to repay, he will turn away. He will pay barely one half, and he will consider it as if he had found it.

8 But if not, then he will defraud him of his money, and he will have him as an enemy without cause.

9 And he will repay him with accusations and curses, and he will repay him with contempt, instead of with honor and kindness.

10 Many have refused to lend, not because of wickedness, but because they were afraid to be defrauded without cause.

11 Yet truly, be more steadfast toward the humble, and you should not delay in acts of mercy toward them.

12 Assist the poor because of the commandment. And you should not send him away empty because of his dire need.

13 Lose your money to your brother and your friend. For you should not hide it under a stone to be lost.

14 Let your treasure be in the precepts of the Most High, and it will benefit you more than gold.

15 Store your alms in the hearts of the poor, and it will obtain help for you against all evil.

16 Better than the shield or the lance of a powerful man,

17 it will fight for you against your enemy.

18 A good man offers credit for the sake of his neighbor. But one who abandons him to himself will perish in shame.

19 You should not forget the kindness of your benefactor. For he has offered his life on your behalf.

20 The sinner and the unclean flee from such promises.

21 A sinner attributes to himself the goods of his loan. And an ungrateful mind will abandon the one who has freed him.

22 A man offers credit to his neighbor. But when he will have lost respect, he will abandon him.

23 A wicked promise has destroyed many who had good intentions, and has tossed them like a wave on the ocean.

24 It has caused powerful men to travel around, and they have wandered amid foreign nations.

25 A sinner transgressing the commandment of the Lord will fall into a wicked promise. And he who undertakes many things will fall into judgment.

26 Help your neighbor to recover according to your ability, but attend to yourself, lest you also fall.

27 The primary need in a man’s life is water and bread, and clothing, and a house to protect modesty.

28 A pauper’s food under a roof of boards is better than a splendid feast on a sojourn away from home.

29 Let yourself be pleased with little instead of much, and you will not hear the reproach of being away from home.

30 It is a wicked life to go from house to house as a guest. For wherever he is a guest, he will not act confidently, nor open his mouth.

31 He will entertain, and feed, and give drink to the ungrateful, and beyond this, he will listen to bitter words:

32 “Go, my guest, and set the table, and let others eat from what you have in your hand.”

33 “Depart from the honored face of my friends. For it has become necessary for my house to host my brother instead.”

34 These things are grievous to a man having understanding: to take advantage of a household, and to reproach a lender.

1 He who loves his son will frequently chastise him, so that he may be happy in the very end, and not grope for the doors of his neighbors.

2 He who instructs his son will be praised over him and will glory in him, in the midst of his household.

3 He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends, he will glory in him.

4 When his father has died, it will be as if he were not dead. For he will have left behind someone who is like himself.

5 In his life, he saw him and rejoiced in him. And at his passing, he was not sorrowful, nor was he confounded in the sight of his enemies.

6 For he left behind himself a defender of his house against his enemies, and someone who will repay his friends with kindness.

7 For the sake of the souls of his sons, he will bind up his wounds, and at every voice, his gut will be stirred up.

8 An untamed horse becomes stubborn, and a child left to himself becomes headstrong.

9 Coddle a son, and he will make you afraid. Play with him, and he will make you sorrowful.

10 You should not laugh with him; otherwise you may have grief, and in the end, your teeth be clenched.

11 You should not give him power in his youth, but you should not despise his thoughts.

12 Bow down his neck in his youth, and slap his sides while he is a child, lest perhaps he may become stubborn, and then he will not trust you, and so he will bring sorrow to your soul.

13 Instruct your son, and work with him, lest you give offense by his shameful behavior.

14 Better is a healthy pauper with a strong constitution, than a wealthy man who is weak and afflicted by maladies.

15 A healthy soul with the sanctity of justice is better than all the gold and silver. And a sound body is better than immense revenues.

16 There is no revenue above the revenue of a healthy body. And there is no delight above a joyful heart.

17 Death is better than a bitter life. And eternal rest is better than continual sickness.

18 Good things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a grave.

19 What benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smell.

20 So is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquity.

21 He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs.

22 You should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counsel.

23 The gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of life.

24 Take pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourself.

25 For sadness has killed many, and there is no usefulness in it.

26 Envy and anger will diminish your days, and pensiveness will bring old age before its time.

27 A cheerful and good heart is like a feast. And its feasts are formed by diligence.

1 Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep.

2 Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober.

3 The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods.

4 The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need.

5 Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it.

6 Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty.

7 Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it.

8 Blessed is the rich man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasures.

9 Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life.

10 He has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evil.

11 Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving.

12 Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first.

13 You should not speak in this way: “There are many things that are upon it.”

14 Remember that a wicked eye is evil.

15 What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face.

16 You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed.

17 You should not press forward at a feast.

18 Understand which things are your neighbor’s and not your own.

19 Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated.

20 Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend.

21 And if you sit in the midst of many, you should not extend your hand before they do, and you should not be the first to ask for a drink.

22 How sufficient is a little wine for a well-taught man! For in sleep, you will not labor because of it, and you will not feel pain.

23 Worry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate man.

24 A healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with him.

25 And if you have been coaxed into eating too much, rise up, go outside, and vomit. And it will refresh you, and you will not bring sickness upon your body.

26 Listen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my words.

27 In all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall you.

28 The lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithful.

29 The city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is true.

30 Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many.

31 Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant.

32 Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober.

33 What is life to him who is diminished by wine?

34 What can cheat him of his life? Death.

35 From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation.

36 Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart.

37 Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body.

38 Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin.

39 Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul.

40 The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds.

41 You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness.

42 You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests.

1 Have they appointed you as a leader? Do not be willing to be extolled. Be among them as one of them.

2 Have concern for them, and in this way sit down with them, and when you have explained all your concerns, sit back.

3 Then you may rejoice because of them, and you may receive a crown as an adornment of grace, and so obtain the dignity of the assembly.

4 Speak, you who are greater by birth. For it is fitting for you

5 to speak the first word with careful knowledge. But you should not hinder the music.

6 Where no one is listening, you should not pour out words. And do not choose to be extolled improperly for your wisdom.

7 A gemstone of garnet is set amid an ornament of gold, and a concert of music is set amid a banquet of wine.

8 Just as a signet of emerald is set amid a work of gold, so is a melody of music set amid delightful and moderate wine.

9 Listen silently, and for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.

10 Young man, speak in your own case only reluctantly.

11 If you have been asked twice, let your response be concise.

12 In many matters, be as if you lack knowledge, and listen silently as well as intently.

13 In the midst of great men, you should not be presumptuous. And where the elders are present, you should not speak much.

14 Lightning goes before a hailstorm, and grace goes before modesty. And so, for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.

15 And at the hour for rising, you should not be lax. Later, be the first to run ahead to your house, and there withdraw, and there take your pastime.

16 And act according to your intentions, but not in sin and not in arrogant speech.

17 And for all these things, bless the Lord, who made you, and who fills you to overflowing with all his good things.

18 Whoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessing.

19 Whoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treachery.

20 Those who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a light.

21 A sinful man will shun correction, and he will find a rationalization in accord with his own will.

22 A man of counsel will not reject understanding. A strange and arrogant man will not be disturbed by fear.

23 Even so, after he has acted out of fear and without counsel, he will be rebuked by his own criticism.

24 Son, you should do nothing without counsel, and then you will not regret what you have done.

25 You should not go into the way of ruin, and you then will not stumble on stones. You should not commit yourself to a laborious way; otherwise, you may set up a scandal against your own soul.

26 And be cautious concerning your own sons. And be attentive to those of your own household.

27 In all of your works, trust your soul to faith. For this is the keeping of the commandments.

28 Whoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished.

1 No evils will befall one who fears the Lord. Instead, God will preserve him during temptation and will free him from evils.

2 A wise man does not hate the commandments and the justices, and so he will not be thrown about violently, like a ship in a storm.

3 A man of understanding puts his faith in the law of God, and so the law is faithful to him.

4 Whoever would resolve a dispute will prepare a word, and so, having prayed, he will be heard. And he will observe discipline, and then he will respond.

5 The heart of a fool is like the wheel of a cart. And his thoughts are like a turning axel.

6 A friend who is a whisperer is like an untamed horse: he neighs under anyone who sits upon him.

7 Why does day follow after day, and light follow after light, and year follow after year, in accord with the sun?

8 By the knowledge of the Lord, they were arranged, after the sun was made, in keeping with his command.

9 And so, the seasons changed, with their feast days. And according to them, they celebrated the feast days, in their hour.

10 Some of them, God exalted and magnified. And some of them, he set amid the ordinary days. And all men are from the ground, and from the earth, from which Adam was created.

11 With a mulititude of disciplines, the Lord has distinguished them and diversified their ways.

12 Some of them, he has blessed and exalted. And some of them he has sanctified and placed close to himself. And some of them, he has cursed and brought low, and he has turned them from their station.

13 Just as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so as to form and to shape it,

14 so are all his ways in accord with his dispensation, and so is man in the hand of the One who made him. And he will repay him according to his judgment.

15 Good is against evil, and life is against death; so also is a sinner against a just man. And so should you consider all the works of the Most High: two and two, and one against another.

16 And I awakened at the very end, and I was like one who gathers grapes after the grape-gatherers.

17 I, too, have hoped in the blessing of God. And I have filled the winepress like one who gathers grapes.

18 Consider how I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who are seeking discipline.

19 Listen to me, you great ones, with all the peoples. And incline your ears, you rulers of the Church.

20 You should not give authority over yourself to a son or wife, to a brother or friend, in your life. And you should not give your estate to another, lest perhaps you may regret it, and then you would be begging for the same.

21 While you are still living and breathing, let no one among all flesh change you.

22 For it is better if your children petition you, than if you look toward the hands of your children.

23 In all your works, be pre-eminent.

24 You should not allow a blemish upon your glory. On the day of the consummation of the days of your life, at the time of your passing, distribute your inheritance.

25 Fodder and a rod and a burden are for a donkey; bread and discipline and work are for a servant.

26 He works under discipline, and he seeks rest. Allow his hands to be idle, and he seeks liberty.

27 The yoke and the strap bend a stiff neck, and continual labors bend a servant.

28 Torture and chains are for a malevolent servant; send him to work, so that he may not be idle.

29 For idleness has taught much evil.

30 Appoint him to a task. For this is fitting for him. And if he will not be obedient, bend him with chains. But you should do no more than any flesh can bear. Truly, you should do nothing grievous without judgment.

31 If you have a faithful servant, let him be to you like your own soul. Treat him like a brother. For you have obtained him by the blood of your soul.

32 If you harm him unjustly, he will turn away and flee.

33 And then, when he lifts himself up and departs, you will not know whom to ask, or in what way to seek him.

1 The hopes of a senseless man are empty and false; and dreams extol the imprudent.

2 Like one who chases a shadow and pursues the wind, so also is one who pays attention to lying visions.

3 In the vision of dreams, one thing represents another, as when a mask is before the face of a man.

4 What can be cleansed by the unclean? And what truth can be spoken from a lie?

5 Erroneous divinations and false signs and the dreams of evildoers are emptiness.

6 For your heart suffers from imagination, like a woman suffering in childbirth. Unless it is a visitation sent from the Most High, you should not set your heart upon it.

7 For dreams have caused many to go astray, and those who have hoped in them have fallen away.

8 The word of the law will be fulfilled without a lie, and wisdom will be made plain in the mouths of the faithful.

9 He who has not been tested, what does he know? A man with much experience will consider many things. And whoever has learned much will explain with understanding.

10 He who has no experience knows little. And he who has done many things has made many mistakes.

11 He who has not been tested, what kind of things can he know? He who has been deceived will be more cunning.

12 I have seen much by wandering, and the customs of many things.

13 At times, I have even been in danger of death because of these things, but I was freed by the grace of God.

14 The spirit of those who fear God is sought, and they will be blessed by his providence.

15 For their hope is in him who saves them, and the eyes of God are on those who love him.

16 Those who fear the Lord will tremble at nothing, and they will not be terrified. For he is their hope.

17 The soul of him who fears the Lord is blessed.

18 To whom should he look, and who is his strength?

19 The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him. He is a powerful Protector, a Firmament of virtue, a Shelter from the heat, and a Covering from the midday sun,

20 a Guardian from offenses, and a Helper from falling, who exalts the soul and illuminates the eyes, and who gives health and life and blessing.

21 An immolation from iniquity is a stained oblation, and the derisions of the unjust are not well pleasing.

22 The Lord is only for those who persevere for him in the way of truth and justice.

23 The Most High does not approve of the gifts of the iniquitous. Neither does he have respect for the oblations of the unjust; neither will he forgive their sins because of the multitude of their sacrifices.

24 Whoever offers a sacrifice from the substance of the poor is like one who sacrifices the son in the sight of his father.

25 The bread of the indigent is the life of the poor. Whoever cheats them out of it is a man of blood.

26 Whoever takes away the bread of sweat is like one who kills his neighbor.

27 He who sheds blood, and he who cheats the hired hand out of his wages, are brothers.

28 When one builds and another destroys, what benefit do they have from their labor?

29 When one prays and another curses, whose voice will God heed?

30 He who washes himself after touching the dead, and then touches him again, what was the benefit of his washing?

31 Similarly, a man who fasts for his sins, and then does the same again, what was the benefit of his humbling himself? Who will heed his prayer?

1 Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations.

2 It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity.

3 And to depart from injustice is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices and a supplication for sins.

4 Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice.

5 To withdraw from iniquity is well-pleasing to the Lord. And to withdraw from injustice is a supplication for sins.

6 You should not appear empty before the sight of the Lord.

7 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.

8 The oblation of the just fattens the altar, and is a fragrance of sweetness in the sight of the Most High.

9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will never forget the memorial of it.

10 Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands.

11 With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation.

12 Give to the Most High according to his gifts to you, and act with a good eye toward the creations of your hands.

13 For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you seven times as much.

14 Do not be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them.

15 And do not be willing to consider an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no favoritism toward anyone.

16 The Lord will not accept favoritism against the poor, but he will heed the prayer of one who has been harmed.

17 He will not despise the prayers of the orphan, nor of the widow, if she utters a lamenting complaint.

18 Do a widow’s tears not run down her cheek? And will her outcry not cause their downfall?

19 For from her cheek, her tears ascend even to heaven. And the Lord, the One who listens, will not take delight in them.

20 Whoever adores God with joy will be accepted, and his prayer will reach even to the clouds.

21 The prayer of one who humbles himself will pierce the clouds. And it will not be consoled until it draws near; and it will not withdraw until the Most High beholds.

22 And the Lord will not delay, and he will judge for those who are just, and he will accomplish judgment. And the Almighty will not have patience with them, so that he may crush their back.

23 And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant, and broken the scepters of the iniquitous,

24 until he has rendered to men according to their deeds, and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,

25 until he has judged the judgment of his people. And he will delight the just with his mercy.

26 The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of tribulation, like a rain cloud in the time of drought.

1 O God of all, take pity on us, and look with favor on us, and show us the light of your compassion.

2 And send your fear upon the Gentiles, who have not sought you, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds.

3 Lift up your hand over unbelieving nations, so that they may see your power.

4 For just as, in their sight, you have been sanctified in us, so also, in our sight, you will be magnified in them.

5 So may they know you, as we also have known you. For there is no God apart from you, O Lord.

6 Renew your signs, and work new wonders.

7 Glorify your hand and your right arm.

8 Stir up your fury, and pour out your wrath.

9 Take away our adversary, and afflict our enemy.

10 Hasten the time, and remember the end, so that they may declare your miracles.

11 Let those who escape be devoured by the wrath of fire. And let those who harass your people find perdition.

12 Crush the head of the leaders of the enemies, for they say: “There is no other beside us.”

13 Gather together all the tribes of Jacob, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds. And you will inherit them, as from the beginning.

14 Take pity on your people, over whom your name has been invoked, and on Israel, whom you have treated as your firstborn.

15 Take pity on Jerusalem, the city of your sanctification, the city of your rest.

16 Fill Zion with your ineffable words, and fill your people with your glory.

17 Give testimony to those who have been your creations from the beginning, and lift up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in your name.

18 Give a reward to those who endure for you, so that your prophets may be found to be faithful. And heed the prayers of your servants,

19 in accord with the blessing of Aaron over your people. And direct us in the way of justice, and let all who inhabit the earth know that you are God, the Beholder of all ages.

20 The belly can devour any food, yet one meal is better than another.

21 The palate tests the meat of wild animals, and the understanding heart tests false words.

22 A corrupt heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it.

23 A woman can receive any male, yet one daughter is better than another.

24 The beauty of a wife cheers the face of her husband, and rises above his desire, above all the desires of man.

25 If she offers healing words, then she both comforts and shows mercy; and so her husband is not like other men.

26 He who holds to a good wife establishes a possession. She is a helper in agreement with him, and she is a pillar of rest.

27 Where there is no hedge, a possession will be trampled. And where there is no wife, he will mourn her absence.

28 Who will trust one who has no nest, and who conceals himself wherever his course may take him, like a well-equipped robber passing from city to city?

1 Every friend will say: “I also am a close friend.” But there is a friend who is a friend in name only. Is this not a grief even unto death?

2 But a companion and friend may turn into an enemy.

3 O wicked presumption! From what were you created that you would cover the dry land with your malice and deceitfulness?

4 A companion may rejoice with his friend in good times, but in a time of tribulation, he will be an adversary.

5 There is a companion who commiserates with a friend for the sake of the stomach, but he will shield himself from the enemy.

6 You should not forget your friend in your soul, and you should not be unmindful of him in your wealth.

7 Do not choose to consult with someone who waits in ambush for you. And hide your counsel from those who rival you.

8 Every counselor offers advice, but some are counselors only for themselves.

9 Guard your soul from a counselor. And know beforehand what his interests are. For he will form thoughts from his own soul.

10 Otherwise, he may set a signpost in the ground, and he may say to you:

11 “Your own way is good.” But then he will stand at a distance to see what befalls you.

12 Do not discuss holiness with an irreligious man, nor justice with one who is unjust. You should not speak with a woman about her who is a rival, nor with a coward about war, nor with a merchant about exaggeration, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with a spiteful man about giving thanks,

13 nor with the impious about piety, nor with the dishonest about honesty, nor with the field worker about other kinds of work,

14 nor with a worker hired for a year about the end of the year, nor with a lazy servant about great works. You should pay no heed to these persons in any matter of counsel.

15 But be continually with a holy man, with anyone whom you know to observe the fear of God,

16 whose soul is in agreement with your own soul, and who, when you falter in the dark, will share your sorrows.

17 And establish a heart of good counsel within yourself. For there is nothing of greater usefulness to you than this.

18 At any time, the soul of a holy man declares more truths than seven vigilant watchmen sitting in a high place.

19 But concerning all things, pray to the Most High, so that he may direct your way in truth.

20 In all your works, let a true word precede you, with steadfast counsel before every deed.

21 A wicked word can change the heart. From the heart four kinds of things arise: good and evil, life and death. And the tongue is continually their ruler. There is a man who is an astute teacher of many, and yet this is useless to his own soul.

22 A man of experience has taught many, and this is pleasant to his own soul.

23 Whoever speaks mere rhetoric is hateful; he will be deceived in every matter.

24 Grace is not given to him from the Lord. For he has been deprived of all wisdom.

25 There is a wise man who is wise within his own soul, and the fruit of his understanding is praiseworthy.

26 A wise man instructs his own people, and the fruit of his understanding is faithful.

27 A wise man will be filled with blessings, and those who see will praise him.

28 The life of a man is in the number of his days. But the days of Israel are innumerable.

29 A wise man will inherit honor among the people, and his name will live in eternity.

30 Son, test your own mind in your life, and if it is lacking, you should not give it authority.

31 For not all things are fitting for all persons, and not every kind of thing is agreeable to every soul.

32 Do not choose to be eager during any feast, and you should not act with excess toward any food.

33 For in excessive eating there will be infirmity, and gluttony will continue even unto illness.

34 By excessive drinking, many have passed away. But he who abstains will add to his life.