Do not rely on your wealth, or say, ‘I have enough.’
Do not follow your inclination and strength –
in pursuing the desires of your heart.
Do not say, ‘Who can have power over me?’-
for the Lord will surely punish you.
Do not say, ‘I sinned, yet what has happened to me?’-
for the Lord is slow to anger.
Do not winnow in every wind, or follow every path.
Stand firm for what you know,
and let your speech be consistent.
Be quick to hear, but deliberate in answering.
If you know what to say, answer your neighbour;
but if not, put your hand over your mouth.
Honour and dishonour come from speaking,
and the tongue of mortals may be their downfall.
(Sirach 5: 1-3, 9-13)
