Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 21:1-4 Good News Bible Anglicised (GNBDC)

1. Have you sinned, my child? Don't do it again, and pray for forgiveness for what you have already done.

2. Avoid sin as if it were a snake. If you get too near, it will sink its teeth into your soul like a lion, and destroy you.

3. Every lawless act leaves an incurable wound, like one left by a double-edged sword.

4. If a person is insolent and arrogant, he may lose everything he has.

20-21. but to a sensible person, it is like gold bracelets. An intelligent person will smile quietly while a fool roars with laughter.

22-23. A stupid person will peep into someone's house through the door and then march right in, but someone with experience and good manners will have enough respect to wait outside.

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 21