Sirach 9
One should be cautious in relationships, particularly with women, to avoid being led astray by their beauty or desires. It is also important to be mindful of the company one keeps, avoiding those who may lead to harm or death. True glory and praise come from fearing God and following His precepts, and one should surround themselves with just and wise companions.
You should not be jealous of the wife of your bosom, lest she reveal, because of you, the malice of a wicked lessonYou should not give authority over your soul to a woman, lest she obtain your strength, and then you would be confoundedYou should not look with favor on a woman with many desires, lest perhaps you may fall into her trapsYou should not be continually in need of entertainment, nor should you be persuaded by it, lest perhaps you may perish by its effectivenessYou should not stare at a virgin, lest perhaps you may be scandalized by her beautyYou should not give your soul, in any way, to fornicators, lest you destroy yourself and your inheritanceDo not choose to look around in the streets of the city, nor should you wander along its thoroughfaresAvert your face from an ornate woman, for you should not gaze upon strange beautyMany have perished because of the beauty of a woman; and by this, desire is kindled like a fireEvery woman who is a fornicator will be trampled down, like the filth in the streetMany, by admiring the beauty of the wife of another, have become reprobate. For familiarity with her flares up like a fireYou should not sit down at all with another man’s wife, nor recline with her on a couchAnd you should not argue with her over wine, lest perhaps your heart may turn toward her, and by your emotion, you would be toppled into perditionYou should not abandon an old friend. For a new one will not be similar to himA new friend is like new wine. It will grow old, and then you will enjoy drinking itYou should not envy the glory and wealth of a sinner. For you do not know what may be his undoing in the futureThe injury of the unjust should not please you, knowing that, until they are in hell, the impious will not pleaseKeep yourself far from a man having the power to kill, and then you will not have the fear of death suspended over youBut if you do approach him, do nothing to offend, lest perhaps he may take away your lifeKnow that this is a communion with death. For you would be entering the midst of snares, and walking upon the arms of the grievingAccording to your ability, be cautious of your neighbor, and treat him as the wise and prudent wouldLet just men be your companions, and let your glory be in the fear of GodAnd let the thought of God be in your mind, and let all your discourse be on the precepts of the Most HighWorks will be praised for the hands of the artists, and a leader of the people will be praised for the wisdom of his words, yet truly, the word of the elders will be praised for its understandingA man full of words is a dread to his city, but one who speaks rashly will be hated for his word
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