“A sensible person
Will not overlook
A thoughtful suggestion.
An insolent proud person
Will not be deterred
By fear.
Do nothing
Without deliberation.
But when you have acted,
Do not regret it!
Do not go on a path
Full of hazards!
Do not stumble
On stony ground!
Do not stumble
At an obstacle twice!
Do not be overconfident
On an unexplored smooth way!
Give good heed
To your paths!
Guard yourself
In every act!
This is the keeping of the commandments.”
Sirach says that a sensible person will not overlook thoughtful suggestions. At the same time, the insolent and proud person is not deterred by fear, so that they do not fear the Lord. You should deliberate before you act. After your action, you should not regret it. Stay away from hazardous paths. Be careful on stony ground. Don’t stumble on the same obstacle twice. Don’t be overconfident on unexplored smooth paths. Be careful in all that you do. Then you will be keeping the commandments of the Lord.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 