Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| Do not rely on your wealth, and do not say, "I have enough."
2| Do not follow after your own soul and your own strength, walking in the desires of your heart.
3| And do not say, "Who will have power over me?" For the Lord will surely take vengeance on you.
4| Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?" For the Lord is slow to anger.
5| Do not be unafraid about atonement, adding sin upon sins,
6| and do not say, "His compassion runs deep, he will wipe away my countless offenses." For both pity and fury issue from him alike, and his rage will come to rest on wrongdoers.
7| Do not delay turning back to the Lord, and do not put it off day after day; for the Lord's wrath will come out suddenly, and in the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.
8| Do not rely on unjust wealth, for it will do you no good on the day of calamity.
9| Do not winnow with every wind, and do not walk on every path — this is what the sinner with two tongues does.
10| Be steadfast in your understanding, and let your word be one.
11| Be quick to listen, and give your answer with patience.
12| If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, let your hand be over your mouth.
13| Glory and dishonor come through speech, and a man's tongue is his downfall.
14| Do not be called a whisperer, and do not lie in wait with your tongue; for shame lies upon the thief, and harsh judgment upon the one with two tongues.
15| In a great matter or a small one, do not act in ignorance,