Sirach 21:1–3

Various Sins

²¹Have you sinned, my child? Do so no more,

but ask forgiveness for your past sins.^*

²Flee from sin as from a snake,

for if you approach sin it will bite you.

Its teeth are lion’s teeth

and can destroy human lives.^*

³All lawlessness is like a two-edged sword;

there is no healing for the wound it inflicts.