Against Presumption Sirach 5:1-10

 

Against Presumption Sirach 5:1-10

 

5:1 Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, “I have enough.”

2 Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.

3 Do not say, “Who will have power over me?” or “Who will bring me down because of my deeds?” for God will surely punish you.

4 Do not say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?” for the Most High is slow to anger.

5 Do not be so confident of atonement that you add sin to sin.

6 Do not say, “His mercy is great, he will forgive  the multitude of my sins,” for both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger rests on sinners.

7 Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish.

8 Do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.

9 Do not winnow with every wind,nor follow every path: the double-tongued sinner does that.

10 Be steadfast in your understanding, and let your speech be consistent.