“Those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return…”
Gregory the Dialogist, 7th c. — The Book of Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 30
Original
14Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
Preparing…
In context
12Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.
13Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.
— Sirach 7:14 —
15Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.
16Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.