Sirach 8:9-11

Good News Translation

⁹ Pay attention to what old people say, for they learned from those who came before them. You can learn from them, and they can teach you how to have an answer ready when you need one.

¹⁰ You should not provide a sinner with more opportunity to sin. You might get hurt yourself; it's as easy as getting burned while adding logs to a fire. ¹¹ You should not get up and walk out on someone who is insolent. He might twist your words and use them against you.