The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 13

1He that touches pitch will be defiled; 2Take not up a burden above your strength; 3The rich man does a wrong, and he threatens withal: 4If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you; 5If you have substance, he will live with you; 6Hath he had need of you? then he will deceive you, 7And he will shame you by his meats, 8Beware that you be not deceived, and brought low in your mirth. 9If a mighty man invite you, be retiring, 10Press not upon him, lest you be thrust back; 11Affect not to speak with him as an equal, 12He that keeps not to himself words spoken is unmerciful; 13Keep them to yourself, and take earnest heed, in peril of your falling. Gr. along with. 14The remainder of verse 13, and verse 14, are omitted by the best authorities. 15Every living creature loves his like, loves his neighbor. 16All flesh consorts according to kind, 17What fellowship shall the wolf have with the lamb? is the sinner to the godly. 18What peace is there between the hyena and the dog? 19Wild asses are the prey of lions in the wilderness; 20Lowliness is an abomination to a proud man; 21A rich man when he is shaken is held up of his friends; 22When a rich man is fallen, there are many helpers; things not to be spoken, and men justify him: Or, secrets, and 23A rich man speaks, and all keep silence; 24Riches are good that have no sin; 25The heart of a man changes his countenance, The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities. 26A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity;