Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 5:1-11 Common English Bible (CEB)

1. Don’t be preoccupied with your money,and don’t say, "I’m self-sufficient."

2. Don’t follow your inclinationor your strength,in order to walk in the desiresof your heart.

3. And don’t say,"Who’ll have power over me?"When the Lord punishes,he will punish.

4. Don’t say, "Sure, I sinned,but what happened to me?"The Lord is patient indeed.

5. Don’t be too confidentof being forgiven,adding sin upon sin.

6. Don’t say, "His compassion is great;he will forgive the whole heapof my sins."Mercy and wrath are with him,and his anger will rest on sinners.

7. Don’t wait to turn back to the Lord.Don’t put it off day after day,because the Lord’s wrathwill come forth suddenly;when the time for punishment comes, you will be destroyed.

8. Don’t be preoccupiedwith ill-gotten gains;it will be of no benefitwhen you are in trouble.

9. Don’t be blown about by every wind,and don’t take every shortcut.This is how the devious sinner acts.

10. Be firmly groundedin your understanding,and let your speech be consistent.

11. Listen carefully,and utter a patient reply.

Read complete chapter Sirach 5