More Sirach

Be generous to all the living,
and withhold not your kindness from the dead.
Avoid not those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn;
Neglect not to visit the sick-
for these things you will be loved.

In whatever you do, remember your last
days,
and you will never sin. (Sirach 7:33-36).

Quarrel not with a rich man,
lest he pay out the price of your downfall;
For gold has dazzled many,
and perverts the character of princes. (Sirach 8:2).

Shame not a repentant sinner;
remember, we all are guilty. (SIRACH 8:5).

Insult no man when he is old,
for some of us, too, will grow old. (Sirach 8:6).

(Notice the subtle hint that many will not even make it to old age!)

Rejoice not when a man dies;
remember, we are all to die.
Spurn not the discourse of the wise,
but acquaint yourself with their proverbs;
From them you will acquire the training
to serve in the presence of princes.
Reject not the tradition of old men
which they have learned from their fatehrs;
From it you will obtain the knowledge
how to answer in time of need. (Sirach 7:7-9).

Give no woman power over you
to trample upon your dignity. (Sirach 9:2).

Bring not every man into your house,
for many are the snares of the crafty one;
Though he seem like a bird confined in a cage,
yet like a spy he will pick out the weak spots.
The talebearer turns good into evil;
with a spark he sets many coals afire. (Sirach 11:29-31).