Precepts for Everyday Living

¹ Do not be preoccupied with your wealth or say, “I am self-sufficient.”

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?” for the Lord will surely punish you.

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

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

⁶ Do not say, “His compassion is great, he will atone for 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 or 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 occupy yourself with dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.

⁹ Do not winnow with every wind or follow every path; the double-tongued sinner does that.

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

¹¹ Be quick in your listening and in patience make a reply.

¹² If you have understanding, answer your neighbour; but if not, put your hand over your mouth.

¹³ Good repute and dishonour come from speaking, and a person’s tongue is his downfall.

¹⁴ Do not be called a slanderer and do not lie in ambush with your tongue; for shame comes to the thief, and severe condemnation to the double tongued.

¹⁵ In great and small matters do not be unaware and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;