Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 28:5-17 Common English Bible (CEB)

5. If they, who are just flesh,hold on to anger,who will secure pardonfor their own sins?

6. Be mindful of the end that awaits you,and put an end to enmity;be mindful of decay and death,and be faithful to the commandments.

7. Be mindful of the commandments,and don’t be irate at your neighbor;be mindful of the covenant of theMost High, and overlook a mistake.

8. Keep away from conflict,and you will reduce your sins;for hot-tempered people spark conflict.

9. Sinful people will stir up trouble for friends,and they spread slanderamong people who are at peace.

10. A fire burns in proportion to its fuel,and conflict increasesthe longer it continues.The more powerful individuals are,the stronger their anger will be;and the wealthier they are,the more their wrath will increase.

11. A hasty quarrel sparks a fire,and hasty conflict sheds blood.

12. If you blow on a spark, it will flame up,and if you spit on it, it will go out;nonetheless, both come outof your mouth.

13. A curse on slanderers and the deceitful,because they have destroyed manywho are at peace.

14. Slander has shaken up many people,scattered them from nation to nation,demolished mighty cities,and overthrown the housesof dignitaries.

15. Slander has driven outcourageous women,and it has deprived themof the rewards of their work.

16. Those who pay attention to slanderwill never find rest,nor will they live in peace.

17. The blow of a whip leaves a welt,but the blow of the tonguewill break bones.

Read complete chapter Sirach 28