understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.
[30] Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.
[31] If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.
[32] Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof.
[33] Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.

Sir.19

[1] A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.
[2] Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.
[3] Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be taken away.
[4] He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul.
[5] Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.
[6] He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil.
[7] Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse.
[8] Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.
[9] For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee.
[10] If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee.
[11] A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.
[12] As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.
[13] Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he have done it, that he do it no more.
[14] Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again.
[15] Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.
[16] There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?
[17] Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
[18] The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.
[19] The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.
[20] The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
[21] If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.
[22] The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.
[23] There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there is a fool wanting in wisdom.
[24] He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.
[25] There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
[26] There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,
[27] Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.
[28] And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.
[29] A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.
[30] A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what he is.

Sir.20

[1] There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
[2] It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
[3] How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.
[4] As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence.
[5] There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.
[6] Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.
[7] A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
[8] He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
[9] There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.
[10] There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
[11]