[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 3:30-4:2, 9, 10]
Water quenches flaming fire,
And right acts make atonement for sins. 
He who does a favor—­it meets him on his way,
And when he falls he shall find support. 
My son, deprive not the poor of his living,
And let not the eyes of the needy grow weary. 
Make not a hungry soul groan,
And do not stir up the feelings of him who is smitten. 
Deliver the oppressed from the oppressor,
And be not faint-hearted in giving judgment.

Be as a father to the fatherless,
And instead of a husband to the widow;
So will God call you his son,
And be gracious to you and save you from destruction.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 4:20-22]
Observe the opportunity and beware of evil,
And be not ashamed of yourself. 
For there is a shame that brings sin,
And another shame, glory and grace. 
Do not be obsequious to your own shame,
And do not humiliate yourself until it is a sin against yourself.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 4:23-25, 28, 29]
Hold not back speech, in its proper time,
And hide not your wisdom. 
For by speech wisdom shall be known,
And instruction by the word of the tongue. 
Speak not against the truth,
But be humble because of your own ignorance. 
Strive for the right even to death,
And the Lord will fight for you. 
Be not boastful with your tongue,
And slack and remiss in your work.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 4:30, 31]
Be not as a lion in your house,
Nor arrogant and suspicious among your servants. 
Let not your hand be stretched out to receive,
And closed when you should repay.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 5:1, 2a]
Set not your mind upon your possessions,
And say not, They are sufficient for me. 
Follow not your own mind and strength,
To walk in the desires of your heart.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 6:2, 4]
Do not give yourself up to your passion,
Lest it like a bull eat up your strength. 
For a wild passion destroys its possessor,
And makes him the laughing-stock of his enemies.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 6:5-8]
Well ordered speech makes friends,
And a gracious tongue wins kindly greetings. 
Let those who are friendly toward you be many,
But your confidant one of a thousand. 
If you would get a friend, get him by testing,
And do not give him your confidence too quickly. 
For there is many a fair-weather friend,
But he does not remain in the day of need.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 6:14-16]
A faithful friend is a strong defence,
And he who finds him finds a treasure. 
There is nothing equal to a faithful friend,
And his worth is beyond price. 
A faithful friend is a source of life,
And he who fears the Lord finds him. 
He who fears the Lord directs his friendship aright,
For as he is, so is his friend.

[Sidenote:  B. Sir. 7:12, 13]
Devise not a lie against your brother,
Nor do the like to a friend or associate. 
Never take pleasure in speaking a falsehood. 
For its outcome is not good.