Sirach 9 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 9Advice concerning Women

1

or you may fall into her snares.

4Do not dally with a female singer,

or you may be caught in her activities.

5 with another man’s wife

or revel with her at wine,

or your heart may turn aside to her,

and in blood you may plunge into destruction.

Choice of Friends

10

remember that they will not be held guiltless until Hades.

13Keep far from those who have power to kill,

and you will not be haunted by the fear of death.

But if you approach them, make no misstep,

or they may rob you of your life.

Know that you are stepping among snares

and that you are walking on the city battlements.

14 Tob 4.18 As much as you can, aim to know your neighbors,

and consult with the wise.

15 Ps 1.2; Sir 27.12 Let your conversation be with intelligent people,

and let all your discussion be about the law of the Most High.

16 Sir 1.11, 12; 10.22 Let the righteous be your dinner companions,

and let your boast be in the fear of the Lord.

Concerning Rulers

17A work is praised for the skill of the artisan,

so a people’s leader is proved wise by his words.

18 Prov 18.7; Sir 8.3 The loud of mouth are feared in their city,

and the one who is reckless in speech is hated.