False Security and Delayed Repentance

1 Don’t set your heart on your possessions. Don’t say, “They are sufficient for me.” 2 Don’t follow your own mind and your strength by pursuing your heart’s desires.⁠a 3 Don’t say, “Who will have power over me?” for the Lord will surely take vengeance on you.

4 Don’t say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?” for the Lord is patient.⁠b 5 Don’t be so confident of atonement that you add sin on sin. 6 Don’t say, “His compassion is great. He will be appeased over my many sins,” for mercy and anger are with him, and his fury will rest on sinners. 7 Don’t wait to turn to the Lord. Don’t put it off from day to day,⁠c for suddenly the anger of the Lord will come on you, and you will die in the time of vengeance. 8 Don’t set your heart on dishonest gains, for you will profit nothing on the day of disaster.⁠d

Consistency in Speech

9 Don’t winnow with every wind. Don’t walk in every path. This is what the sinner who speaks with two tongues does. 10 Be steadfast in your understanding. Let your speech be consistent. 11 Be quick to listen and answer with patience.⁠e 12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor, but if not, put your hand over your mouth.⁠f 13 Glory and dishonor come through speech. A man’s tongue may be his downfall.⁠g 14 Don’t be called a gossip. Don’t lie in wait with your tongue, for shame is on the thief, and an evil condemnation is on anyone who speaks with two tongues.⁠h 15 Don’t be ignorant in a great or small matter.