Strive not with a powerful man, lest thou fall into his hands.
2 Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against thee.
3 For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them.
4 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
5 Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak ill of thy family.
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6 Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof.
7 Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old.
8 Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death.
9 Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.
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10 For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame.
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11 Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers:
12 For of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.
13 Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest thou be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins.
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14 Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest he sit as a spy to entrap thee in thy words.
15 Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself: and if thou lendest, count it as lost.
16 Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety, think as if thou wert to pay it.
17 Judge not against a judge: for he judgeth according to that which is just.
18 Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee with his evils: for he goeth according to his own will, and thou shalt perish together with his folly.
19 Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow thee.
20 Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them.
21 Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
22 Open not thy heart to every man: lest he repay thee with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to thee.
Origen
“There is a person full of faith who comes forward in the assembly and accuses himself, making everyone aware of some sin he has committed. And yet, those who themselves have no fear of God's future judgment, on hearing his words, instead of suffering with him who suffers, instead of burning with him who is offended, instead of falling with him who is fallen, say, Get away from me and don't come near me because I am pure! Then they begin to curse this person whom they previously admired and withdraw their friendship from this person who did not want to conceal his crime. Conveniently they say of those who make the confession, "My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my kin stand afar off." It is not the case, however, that he ought to be afraid of the behavior of others when, after having committed a sin, he desires to save himself, nor should he fear the reproaches of those who do not think about their own sins or recall the words of the divine Scriptures: "Do not insult a person converted from sin, remember that we all deserve punishment." Do not worry about such things. Instead, worry about your soul, and pray to God that he may hear you and raise you after you fall so that you will be able to say also that which follows: "I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin."”
Rabanus Maurus
“The apostle Peter recommends, "In your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you." It is good for a servant of God to learn from his masters with diligence and commitment what afterwards he must teach to others with prudence and for their benefit. Because if he does not and instead is lazy and indolent in applying himself, he will turn out to be useless in teaching others later.”
Eusebius of Caesarea
“Saul chased David, who in fact carried out these words, "When they persecute you in this city, flee into another." He fled in order not to irritate his enemy with his presence and to become for him a reason to spill blood. In fact, David grasped the saying, "Do not incite the arm of a sinner," better than anyone. This is why he withdrew and moved away, although he was loved by all the people and had many who shared his pains and his sorrow and who would have been able to receive him and hide him in their homes. But, in order not to become a cause of danger to others, he fled into the desert and preferred to live in caves. It seems to me that the holy apostle also alludes to him when he says, "They wandered in deserts, in the mountains, in dens and in caves of the earth."”
John Chrysostom
“Consider, dearly beloved, those who vouch for someone concerning money, how they have to submit themselves to a greater risk than the one who is responsible for and receives the money. Indeed, if the person who has received the loan shows himself benevolent, he pays back what he owes to the person who has given the guarantee; but if he turns out to be bad, he prepares a much larger disaster for the person who has vouched for him. For this reason a wise man warned, "If you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay." Now then, if those who vouch for someone concerning money render themselves responsible for everything, how much more do those who vouch for someone relating to spiritual things and on the theme of virtue must demonstrate great vigilance, exhorting, advising, correcting and revealing paternal affection. And they should understand that what is happening should not be taken lightly but that their own reputation is at stake. There will be mutual benefit if through their personal admonition they lead them someone onto the road of virtue, while a grave condemnation will be incumbent on them if they neglect to do so. For this reason, it is customary to call these people spiritual parents, so that they may learn what affection they must demonstrate for them with their own deeds in the teaching of spiritual things. If it is good to push those to embrace virtue with whom we have no relationship, how much more must we carry out this command regarding someone whom we receive whom we call a spiritual son or daughter.”