Home Prior Books Index
←Prev   Sirach 9 as rendered by/in  Next→ 

Did you notice?

 You can SEARCH IslamAwakened: 

9:1  Don't be jealous of the wife you love. You will only be teaching her how to do you harm.
9:2  Do not surrender your dignity to any woman.
9:3  Keep away from other men's wives or they will trap you.
9:4  Don't keep company with female musicians; they will trick you.
9:5  Don't look too intently at a virgin, or you may find yourself forced to pay a bride price.
9:6  Don't give yourself to prostitutes, or you may lose everything you own.
9:7  So don't go looking about in the streets or wandering around in the run-down parts of town.
9:8  When you see a good-looking woman, look the other way; don't let your mind dwell on the beauty of any woman who is not your wife. Many men have been led astray by a woman's beauty. It kindles passion as if it were fire.
9:9  Don't sit down to eat with another man's wife or join her for a drink. You may give in to the temptation of her charms and be destroyed by your passion.
9:10  Never abandon old friends; you will never find a new one who can take their place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older.
9:11  Don't be jealous of a sinner's success; you don't know what kind of disaster is in store for him.
9:12  Don't take pleasure in the things that make ungodly people happy; remember that they will be held guilty as long as they live.
9:13  If you keep away from someone who has the power to put you to death, you will not have to fear for your life; but if you must go near him, be very careful, or he may kill you. Be conscious that you are walking among hidden traps, that you are an easy target.
9:14  Get to know the people around you as well as you can, and take advice only from those who are qualified to give it.
9:15  Engage in conversation with intelligent people, and let the Law of the Most High be the topic of your discussions.
9:16  Choose righteous people for your dinner companions. Your chief pride should be your fear of the Lord.
9:17  A skilled worker is admired for the things he makes, and a leader's wisdom is proved by his words.
9:18  Someone who speaks rashly and recklessly is feared and hated by everyone in town.