20Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil, and do not be ashamed to be yourself. 21For there is a shame that leads to sin, and there is a shame that is glory and favour. 22Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall. 23Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment, and do not hide your wisdom. 24For wisdom becomes known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue. 25Never speak against the truth, but be ashamed of your ignorance. 26Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river. 27Do not subject yourself to a fool, or show partiality to a ruler. 28Fight to the death for truth, and the Lord God will fight for you. 29Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds. 30Do not be like a lion in your home, or suspicious of your servants. 31Do not let your hand be stretched out to receive and closed when it is time to give. 1Do not rely on your wealth, or say, ‘I have enough.’ 2Do not follow your inclination and strength in pursuing the desires of your heart. 3Do not say, ‘Who can have power over me?’ for the Lord will surely punish you. 4Do not say, ‘I sinned, yet what has happened to me?’ for the Lord is slow to anger. 5Do not be so confident of forgiveness that you add sin to sin. 6Do 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 will rest on sinners. 7Do not delay to turn back to the Lord, and do not postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come upon you, and at the time of punishment you will perish.