RULES FOR LIFE

These rules are taken from the Catholic bible called the "New American Bible".So come and enjoy them.Maybe they will help you in your journey in life.

Choice in Friends:Sirach(Eccelesiasticus) 9:10-16

10 Discard not an old friend, for the new one cannot equal him. A new friend is like new wine which you drink with pleasure only when it has aged. 11 Envy not a sinner's fame, for you know not what disaster awaits him. 12 Rejoice not at a proud man's success; remember he will not reach death unpunished. 13 Keep far from the man who has power to kill, and you will not be filled with the dread of death. But if you approach him, offend him not, lest he take away your life; Know that you are stepping among snares and walking over a net. 14 As best you can, take your neighbors' measure, and associate with the wise. 15 With the learned be intimate; let all your conversation be about the law of the LORD. 16 Have just men for your table companions; in the fear of God be your glory.

Concerning Rulers: Sirach(Eccelesiasticus) 9:17-18

17 Skilled artisans are esteemed for their deftness; but the ruler of his people is the skilled sage. 18 Feared in the city is the man of railing speech, and he who talks rashly is hated.

Conduct in life: Sirach(Eccelesiasticus) 7

1Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you; 2avoid wickedness, and it will turn aside from you. 3Sow not in the furrows of injustice, lest you harvest it sevenfold. 4Seek not from the LORD authority, nor from the king a place of honor. 5Parade not your justice before the Lord, and before the king flaunt not your wisdom.6Seek not to become a judge if you have not strength to root out crime, Or you will show favor to the ruler and mar your integrity. 7Be guilty of no evil before the city's populace, nor disgrace yourself before the assembly. 8Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished. 9Say not: "He will appreciate my many gifts; the Most High will accept my offerings." 10Be not impatient in prayers, and neglect not the giving of alms. 11Laugh not at an embittered man; be mindful of him who exalts and humbles. 12Plot no mischief against your brother, nor against your friend and companion. 13Delight not in telling lie after lie, for it never results in good. 14Thrust not yourself into the deliberations of princes, and repeat not the words of your prayer. 15Hate not laborious tasks, nor farming, which was ordained by the Most High. 16Do not esteem yourself better than your fellows; remember, his wrath will not delay. 17More and more, humble your pride; what awaits man is worms. 18Barter not a friend for money, nor a dear brother for the gold of Ophir. 19Dismiss not a sensible wife; a gracious wife is more precious than corals. 20Mistreat not a servant who faithfully serves, nor a laborer who devotes himself to his task. 21Let a wise servant be dear to you as your own self; refuse him not his freedom. 22If you have livestock, look after them; if they are dependable, keep them. 23If you have sons, chastise them; bend their necks from childhood. 24If you have daughters, keep them chaste, and be not indulgent to them. 25Giving your daughter in marriage ends a great task; but give her to a worthy man. 26If you have a wife, let her not seem odious to you; but where there is ill-feeling, trust her not. 27With your whole heart honor your father; your mother's birthpangs forget not. 28Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you? 29With all your soul, fear God, revere his priests. 30With all your strength, love your Creator, forsake not his ministers. 31Honor God and respect the priest; give him his portion as you have been commanded: First fruits and contributions, due sacrifices and holy offerings. 32To the poor man also extend your hand, that your blessing may be complete; 33Be generous to all the living, and withhold not your kindness from the dead. 34Avoid not those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn; 35Neglect not to visit the sick-- for these things you will be loved. 36In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.