Bible, Revised Standard Version
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Sir.5
[1] Do not set your heart on your wealth,
nor say, "I have enough."
[2] Do not follow your inclination and strength,
walking according to the desires of your heart.
[3] Do not say, "Who will have power over me?"
for the Lord will surely punish you.
[4] Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?"
for the Lord is slow to anger.
[5] Do not be so confident of atonement
that you add sin to sin.
[6] Do not say, "His mercy is great,
he will forgive the multitude of my sins,"
for both mercy and wrath are with him,
and his anger rests on sinners.
[7] Do not delay to turn to the Lord,
nor postpone it from day to day;
for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth,
and at the time of punishment you will perish.
[8] Do not depend on dishonest wealth,
for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.
[9] Do not winnow with every wind,
nor follow every path:
the double-tongued sinner does that.
[10] Be steadfast in your understanding,
and let your speech be consistent.
[11] Be quick to hear,
and be deliberate in answering.
[12] If you have understanding, answer your neighbor;
but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
[13] Glory and dishonor come from speaking,
and a man's tongue is his downfall.
[14] Do not be called a slanderer,
and do not lie in ambush with your tongue;
for shame comes to the thief,
and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.
[15] In great and small matters do not act amiss,