ECCLESIASTICUS The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach Annotated: David placed singers before the altar, to make sweet melody with their voices.Not in the most vile pagan temple did a singer, musician or "preacher" enter into the Holy Places. In the Jewish temple, the furniture in the Holy Place represents the body or ekklesia or assembly of Christ.
The word for SING has much the same maning as the traveling stranger: merchant or prostitute. ALL names of instruments an musical terms link directly to Satan, warfare or prostitutes and sodomites.
The MUSICAL functionaries plaguing OUTSIDE the temple were prostitutes, sodomites, jesters, buffoons or performance spakers.
In the synagogue, there was never any 'praise service.' The bread represented the unity of the tribes and the Menorah or seven-branced candlestick represents the "seven spirits" which would rest on Messiah. In Isaiah 11 these all have to do with Divine Knowledge. Prayers which replace the incense looks into the Most Holy place. Jesus said that God only seeks those who worship in this PLACE of the human spirit devoted to the Spirit of truth: the Law was guarded by the Cherubim and was UNDER the mercy seat. Individuals WORSHIP in the place of the human spirit cleansed at baptism to become A holy spirit. Jesus said it as clearly as it can be said: prayer should be in the CLOSET or the quiet, dark places in the house or human spirit.
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- Hymn Singing Not for the Unbelievers
- Spiritual Worship
- The Music of David Singing with Melody in the Heart
- Condemnation of Kings Given to Lead Israel into Captivity
- Worship Without David's Instruments Singing with Melody in the Heart
Preface
Whereas many great teachings have been given to us through the law and the prophets and the others that followed them, on account of which we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom;and since it is necessary not only that the readers themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love learning should be able to help the outsiders by both speaking and writing,
my grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the reading of the law and the prophets and the other books of our fathers, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in them,
was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love learning should make even greater progress in living according to the law.
You are urged therefore to read with good will and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite out diligent labor in translating, we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same sense when translated into another language. Not only this work, but even the law itself, the prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little as originally expressed.
When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some pains and labor to the translation of the following book, using in that period of time great watchfulness and skill in order to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning, being prepared in character to live according to the law.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 11. All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with him for ever.
2. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity -- who can count them?
3. The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom -- who can search them out?
4. Wisdom was created before all things, and prudent understanding from eternity.
Wisdom is like the Word: Wisdom is not a second member of the Family of God. Wisdom and Life or Zoe her daughter was taken by Gnosticism to be a goddess. For instance, Zoe or Eve the mother of all living birthed Jehovah through her son and therefore became the Mother of God. Jehovah was in the abyss or earthly realm until he decided that singing praises to Sophia - Zoe would get him promoted to the seventh heaven--just below the true God. There, he continued to organize musical teams to praise Sophia and Zoe. These "goddesses" took on the characteristics of the babylonian goddess as well as many others.
5. The root of wisdom -- to whom has it been revealed? Her clever devices -- who knows them?
6. There is One who is wise, greatly to be feared, sitting upon his throne.
7. The Lord himself created wisdom; he saw her and apportioned her, he poured her out upon all his works.
8. She dwells with all flesh according to his gift, and he supplied her to those who love him.
9. The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and
gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
10. The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life.
11. With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end; on the day of his death he will be blessed.
12. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
she is created with the faithful in the womb.
13. She made among men an eternal foundation, and among their descendants she will be trusted.
14. To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure; she satisfies men with her fruits;
15. she fills their whole house with desirable goods, and their storehouses with her produce.
16. The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish.
17. He saw her and apportioned her;
he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension, and he exalted the glory of those who held her fast.
Isaiah 55
18. To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life.
22. Unrighteous anger cannot be justified, for a man's anger tips the scale to his ruin.
23. A patient man will endure until the right moment, and then joy will burst forth for him.
24. He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his good sense.
25. In the treasuries of wisdom are wise sayings, but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26. If you desire wisdom,
keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply it for you.
27. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and he delights in fidelity and meekness.
28. Do not disobey the fear of the Lord; do not approach him with a divided mind.
29. Be not a hypocrite in men's sight, and keep watch over your lips.
30. Do not exalt yourself lest you fall, and thus bring dishonor upon yourself.
The Lord will reveal your secrets and cast you down in the midst of the congregation,
because you did not come in the fear of the Lord, and your heart was full of deceit.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 2
1. My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.
2. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.
3. Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.
4. Accept whatever is brought upon you,
and in changes that humble you be patient.
5. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
6. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him.
7. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall.
8. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail;
9. you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy.
10. Consider the ancient generations and see:
who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?
Or who ever persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon him and was overlooked?
11. For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction.
12. Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks along two ways!
13. Woe to the faint heart, for it has no trust! Therefore it will not be sheltered.
14. Woe to you who have lost your endurance! What will you do when the Lord punishes you?
15. Those who fear the Lord will not disobey his words, and those who love him will keep his ways.
16. Those who fear the Lord will seek his approval, and those who love him will be filled with the law.
17. Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and will humble themselves before him.
18. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men; for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 3
1. Listen to me your father, O children; and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.
2. For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.
3. Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
4. and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure.
5. Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.
6. Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;
7. he will serve his parents as his masters.
8. Honor your father by word and deed, that a blessing from him may come upon you.
9. For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.
10. Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father's dishonor is no glory to you.
11. For a man's glory comes from honoring his father, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.
12. O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13. even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him.
14. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you;
15. in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
16. Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.
17. My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
18. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
20. For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.
21. Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22. Reflect upon what has been assigned to you,
for you do not need what is hidden.
23. Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks,
for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you.
24. For their hasty judgment has led many astray, and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.
26. A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish by it.
27. A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner will heap sin upon sin.
28. The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.
29. The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.
30. Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.
31. Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future; at the moment of his falling he will find support.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 4
1. My son, deprive not the poor of his living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
2. Do not grieve the one who is hungry, nor anger a man in want.
3. Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar.
4. Do not reject an afflicted suppliant, nor turn your face away from the poor.
5. Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you;
6. for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer.
7. Make yourself beloved in the congregation; bow your head low to a great man.
8. Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gentl
9. Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer; and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
10. Be like a father to orphans, and instead of a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.
11. Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her.
12. Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.
13. Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory, and the Lord will bless the place she enters.
14. Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her.
15. He who obeys her will judge the nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure.
16. If he has faith in her he will obtain her; and his descendants will remain in possession of her.
17. For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths, she will bring fear and cowardice upon him, and will torment him by her discipline until she trusts him, and she will test him with her ordinances.
18. Then she will come straight back to him and gladden him, and will reveal her secrets to him.
19. If he goes astray she will forsake him, and hand him over to his ruin.
20. Observe the right time, and beware of evil; and do not bring shame on yourself.
21. For there is a shame which brings sin, and there is a shame which is glory and favor.
22. Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall.
23. Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time, and do not hide your wisdom.
24. For wisdom is known through speech, and
education through the words of the tongue.
25. Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance.
26. Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27. Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow, nor show partiality to a ruler.
28. Strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you.
29. Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
30. Do not be like a lion in your home, nor be a faultfinder with your servants.
31. Let not your hand be extended to receive, but withdrawn when it is time to repay.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 5
1. Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, "I have enough."
2. Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.
3. Do not say, "Who will have power over me?" for the Lord will surely punish you.
4. Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?" for the Lord is slow to anger.
5. Do not be so confident of atonement that you add sin to sin.
6. Do 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 rests on sinners.
7. Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish.
8. Do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.
9. Do not winnow with every wind, nor follow every path: the double-tongued sinner does that.
10. Be steadfast in your understanding, and let your speech be consistent.
11. Be quick to hear, and be deliberate in answering.
12. If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
13. Glory and dishonor come from speaking, and a man's tongue is his downfall.
14. Do not be called a slanderer, and do not lie in ambush with your tongue; for shame comes to the thief, and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.
15. In great and small matters do not act amiss,
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 6
1. and do not become an enemy instead of a friend; for a bad name incurs shame and reproach: so fares the double-tongued sinner.
2. Do not exalt yourself through your soul's counsel, lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull.
3. You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and will be left like a withered tree.
4. An evil soul will destroy him who has it, and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
5. A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6. Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
7. When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily.
8. For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9. And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.
10. And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
11. In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants;
12. but if you are brought low he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your presence.
13. Keep yourself far from your enemies, and be on guard toward your friends.
14. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure.
15. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,
16. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him.
17. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also.
18. My son, from your youth up choose instruction, and until you are old you will keep finding wisdom.
19. Come to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good harvest. For in her service you will toil a little while, and soon you will eat of her produce.
20. She seems very harsh to the uninstructed; a weakling will not remain with her.
21. She will weigh him down like a heavy testing stone, and he will not be slow to cast her off.
22. For wisdom is like her name, and is not manifest to many.
23. Listen, my son, and accept my judgment; do not reject my counsel.
24. Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar.
25. Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not fret under her bonds.
26. Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might.
27. Search out and seek, and she will become known to you; and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
28. For at last you will find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you.
29. Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection, and her collar a glorious robe.
30. Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds are a cord of blue.
31. You will wear her like a glorious robe, and put her on like a crown of gladness.
32. If you are willing, my son, you will be taught, and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
33. If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you incline your ear you will become wise.
34. Stand in the assembly of the elders. Who is wise? Cleave to him.
35. Be ready to listen to every narrative, and do not let wise proverbs escape you.
36. If you see an intelligent man, visit him early; let your foot wear out his doorstep.
37. Reflect on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his commandments. It is he who will give insight to your mind, and your desire for wisdom will be granted.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 7
1. Do no evil, and evil will never befall you.
2. Stay away from wrong, and it will turn away from you.
3. My son, do not sow the furrows of injustice, and you will not reap a sevenfold crop.
4. Do not seek from the Lord the highest office, nor the seat of honor from the king.
5. Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord, nor display your wisdom before the king.
6. Do not seek to become a judge, lest you be unable to remove iniquity, lest you be partial to a powerful man, and thus put a blot on your integrity.
7. Do not offend against the public, and do not disgrace yourself among the people.
8. Do not commit a sin twice; even for one you will not go unpunished.
9. Do not say, "He will consider the multitude of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Most High God he will accept it."
10. Do not be fainthearted in your prayer, nor neglect to give alms.
11. Do not ridicule a man who is bitter in soul, for there is One who abases and exalts.
12. Do not devise a lie against your brother, nor do the like to a friend.
13. Refuse to utter any lie, for the habit of lying serves no good.
14. Do not prattle in the assembly of the elders,
nor repeat yourself in your prayer.
Note renumbering in modern version:
Matthew 6:7 - the note in the original KJV margin reads, "Ecclus. 7:16," a cross-reference to a book of Ecclesiasticus in the Apocrypha
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matt 6:7
15. Do not hate toilsome labor, or farm work, which were created by the Most High.
16. Do not count yourself among the crowd of sinners; remember that wrath does not delay.
17. Humble yourself greatly, for the punishment of the ungodly is fire and worms.
18. Do not exchange a friend for money, or a real brother for the gold of Ophir.
19. Do not deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her charm is worth more than gold.
20. Do not abuse a servant who performs his work faithfully, or a hired laborer who devotes himself to you.
21. Let your soul love an intelligent servant; do not withhold from him his freedom.
22. Do you have cattle? Look after them; if they are profitable to you, keep them.
23. Do you have children? Discipline them, and make them obedient from their youth.
24. Do you have daughters? Be concerned for their chastity, and do not show yourself too indulgent with them.
25. Give a daughter in marriage; you will have finished a great task. But give her to a man of understanding.
26. If you have a wife who pleases you, do not cast her out; but do not trust yourself to one whom you detest.
27. With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother.
28. Remember that through your parents you were born; and what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?
29. With all your soul fear the Lord, and honor his priests.
30. With all your might love your Maker, and do not forsake his ministers.
31. Fear the Lord and honor the priest, and give him his portion, as is commanded you: the first fruits, the guilt offering, the gift of the shoulders, the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of the holy things.
32. Stretch forth your hand to the poor, so that your blessing may be complete.
33. Give graciously to all the living, and withhold not kindness from the dead.
34. Do not fail those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn.
35. Do not shrink from visiting a sick man, because for such deeds you will be loved.
36. In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 8
1. Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands.
2. Do not quarrel with a rich man, lest his resources outweigh yours; for gold has ruined many, and has perverted the minds of kings.
3. Do not argue with a chatterer, nor heap wood on his fire.
4. Do not jest with an ill-bred person, lest your ancestors be disgraced.
5. Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we all deserve punishment.
6. Do not disdain a man when he is old, for some of us are growing old.
7. Do not rejoice over any one's death; remember that we all must die.
8. Do not slight the discourse of the sages, but busy yourself with their maxims; because from them you will gain instruction and learn how to serve great men.
9. Do not disregard the discourse of the aged, for they themselves learned from their fathers; because from them you will gain understanding and learn how to give an answer in time of need.
10. Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned in his flaming fire.
11. Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words.
12. Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; but if you do lend anything, be as one who has lost it.
13. Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.
14. Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing.
15. Do not travel on the road with a foolhardy fellow, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will act as he pleases, and through his folly you will perish with him.
16. Do not fight with a wrathful man, and do not cross the wilderness with him; because blood is as nothing in his sight, and where no help is at hand, he will strike you down.
17. Do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.
18. In the presence of a stranger do nothing that is to be kept secret, for you do not know what he will divulge.
19. Do not reveal your thoughts to every one, lest you drive away your good luck.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 9
1. Do not be jealous of the wife of your bosom, and do not teach her an evil lesson to your own hurt.
2. Do not give yourself to a woman so that she gains mastery over your strength.
3. Do not go to meet a loose woman, lest you fall into her snares.
4. Do not associate with a woman singer, lest you be caught in her intrigues.
5. Do not look intently at a virgin, lest you stumble and incur penalties for her.
6. Do not give yourself to harlots lest you lose your inheritance.
7. Do not look around in the streets of a city,
nor wander about in its deserted sections.
8. Turn away your eyes from a shapely woman, and do not look intently at beauty belonging to another;
many have been misled by a woman's beauty, and by it passion is kindled like a fire.
9. Never dine with another man's wife, nor revel with her at wine; lest your heart turn aside to her, and in blood you be plunged into destruction.
10. Forsake not an old friend, for a new one does not compare with him.
A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged you will drink it with pleasure.
11. Do not envy the honors of a sinner, for you do not know what his end will be.
12. Do not delight in what pleases the ungodly; remember that they will not be held guiltless as long as they live.
13. Keep far from a man who has the power to kill, and you will not be worried by the fear of death. But if you approach him, make no misstep, lest he rob you of your life. Know that you are walking in the midst of snares, and that you are going about on the city battlements.
14. As much as you can, aim to know your neighbors, and consult with the wise
15. Let your conversation be with men of understanding, and let all your discussion be about the law of the Most High
16. Let righteous men be your dinner companions, and let your glorying be in the fear of the Lord
17. A work will be praised for the skill of the craftsmen; so a people's leader is proved wise by his words.
18. A babbler is feared in his city, and the man who is reckless in speech will be hated.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 10
1. A wise magistrate will educate his people, and the rule of an understanding man will be well ordered
2. Like the magistrate of the people, so are his officials; and like the ruler of the city, so are all its inhabitants.
3. An undisciplined king will ruin his people, but a city will grow through the understanding of its rulers.
4. The government of the earth is in the hands of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right man for the time.
5. The success of a man is in the hands of the Lord, and he confers his honor upon the person of the scribe.
6. Do not be angry with your neighbor for any injury, and do not attempt anything by acts of insolence.
7. Arrogance is hateful before the Lord and before men, and injustice is outrageous to both.
8. Sovereignty passes from nation to nation on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.
9. How can he who is dust and ashes be proud? for even in life his bowels decay.
10. A long illness baffles the physician; the king of today will die tomorrow.
11. For when a man is dead, he will inherit creeping things, and wild beasts, and worms.
12. The beginning of man's pride is to depart from the Lord; his heart has forsaken his Maker.
13. For the beginning of pride is sin, and the man who clings to it pours out abominations. Therefore the Lord brought upon them extraordinary afflictions, and destroyed them utterly.
14. The Lord has cast down the thrones of rulers, and has seated the lowly in their place.
15. The Lord has plucked up the roots of the nations, and has planted the humble in their place.
16. The Lord has overthrown the lands of the nations, and has destroyed them to the foundations of the earth.
17. He has removed some of them and destroyed them, and has extinguished the memory of them from the earth.
18. Pride was not created for men, nor fierce anger for those born of women.
19. What race is worthy of honor? The human race. What race is worthy of honor? Those who fear the Lord. What race is unworthy of honor? The human race. What race is unworthy of honor? Those who transgress the commandments.
20. Among brothers their leader is worthy of honor, and those who fear the Lord are worthy of honor in his eyes.
22. The rich, and the eminent, and the poor -- their glory is the fear of the Lord.
23. It is not right to despise an intelligent poor man, nor is it proper to honor a sinful man.
24. The nobleman, and the judge, and the ruler will be honored, but none of them is greater than the man who fears the Lord.
25. Free men will be at the service of a wise servant, and a man of understanding will not grumble.
26. Do not make a display of your wisdom when you do your work, nor glorify yourself at a time when you are in want.
27. Better is a man who works and has an abundance of everything, than one who goes about boasting, but lacks bread.
28. My son, glorify yourself with humility, and ascribe to yourself honor according to your worth.
29. Who will justify the man that sins against himself? And who will honor the man that dishonors his own life?
30. A poor man is honored for his knowledge, while a rich man is honored for his wealth.
31. A man honored in poverty, how much more in wealth! And a man dishonored in wealth, how much more in poverty!
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 11
1. The wisdom of a humble man will lift up his head, and will seat him among the great
2. Do not praise a man for his good looks, nor loathe a man because of his appearance.
3. The bee is small among flying creatures, but her product is the best of sweet things.
4. Do not boast about wearing fine clothes, nor exalt yourself in the day that you are honored; for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works are concealed from men.
5. Many kings have had to sit on the ground, but one who was never thought of has worn a crown.
6. Many rulers have been greatly disgraced, and illustrious men have been handed over to others.
7. Do not find fault before you investigate; first consider, and then reprove.
8. Do not answer before you have heard, nor interrupt a speaker in the midst of his words.
9. Do not argue about a matter which does not concern you,
nor sit with sinners when they judge a case.
10. My son, do not busy yourself with many matters; if you multiply activities you will not go unpunished, and if you pursue you will not overtake, and by fleeing you will not escape.
11. There is a man who works, and toils, and presses on, but is so much the more in want.
12. There is another who is slow and needs help, who lacks strength and abounds in poverty; but the eyes of the Lord look upon him for his good; he lifts him out of his low estate
13. and raises up his head, so that many are amazed at him.
14. Good things and bad, life and death, poverty and wealth, come from the Lord.
17. The gift of the Lord endures for those who are godly, and what he approves will have lasting success.
18. There is a man who is rich through his diligence and self-denial, and this is the reward allotted to him:
19. when he says, "I have found rest, and now I shall enjoy my goods!" he does not know how much time will pass until he leaves them to others and dies.
20. Stand by your covenant and attend to it, and grow old in your work.
21. Do not wonder at the works of a sinner, but trust in the Lord and keep at your toil; for it is easy in the sight of the Lord to enrich a poor man quickly and suddenly.
22. The blessing of the Lord is the reward of the godly, and quickly God causes his blessing to flourish.
23. Do not say, "What do I need, and what prosperity could be mine in the future?"
24. Do not say, "I have enough, and what calamity could happen to me in the future?"
25. In the day of prosperity, adversity is forgotten, and in the day of adversity, prosperity is not remembered.
26. For it is easy in the sight of the Lord to reward a man on the day of death according to his conduct.
27. The misery of an hour makes one forget luxury, and at the close of a man's life his deeds will be revealed.
28. Call no one happy before his death; a man will be known through his children.
29. Do not bring every man into your home, for many are the wiles of the crafty.
30. Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the mind of a proud man, and like a spy he observes your weakness;
31. for he lies in wait, turning good into evil, and to worthy actions he will attach blame.
32. From a spark of fire come many burning coals, and a sinner lies in wait to shed blood.
33. Beware of a scoundrel, for he devises evil, lest he give you a lasting blemish.
34. Receive a stranger into your home and he will upset you with commotion, and will estrange you from your family.
Sirach. 12
1. If you do a kindness, know to whom you do it, and you will be thanked for your good deeds.
2. Do good to a godly man, and you will be repaid -- if not by him, certainly by the Most High.
3. No good will come to the man who persists in evil or to him who does not give alms.
4. Give to the godly man, but do not help the sinner.
5. Do good to the humble, but do not give to the ungodly; hold back his bread, and do not give it to him, lest by means of it he subdue you; for you will receive twice as much evil for all the good which you do to him.
6. For the Most High also hates sinners and will inflict punishment on the ungodly.
7. Give to the good man, but do not help the sinner.
8. A friend will not be known in prosperity, nor will an enemy be hidden in adversity.
9. A man's enemies are grieved when he prospers, and in his adversity even his friend will separate from him.
10. Never trust your enemy, for like the rusting of copper, so is his wickedness.
11. Even if he humbles himself and goes about cringing, watch yourself, and be on your guard against him; and you will be to him like one who has polished a mirror, and you will know that it was not hopelessly tarnished.
12. Do not put him next to you, lest he overthrow you and take your place; do not have him sit at your right, lest he try to take your seat of honor, and at last you will realize the truth of my words, and be stung by what I have said.
13. Who will pity a snake charmer bitten by a serpent, or any who go near wild beasts?
14. So no one will pity a man who associates with a sinner and becomes involved in his sins.
15. He will stay with you for a time, but if you falter, he will not stand by you.
16. An enemy will speak sweetly with his lips,
but in his mind he will plan to throw you into a pit;
an enemy will weep with his eyes,
but if he finds an opportunity his thirst for blood will be insatiable.
17. If calamity befalls you, you will find him there ahead of you;
and while pretending to help you, he will trip you by the heel;
18. he will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his expression.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 13
1. Whoever touches pitch will be defiled, and whoever associates with a proud man will become like him.
2. Do not lift a weight beyond your strength, nor associate with a man mightier and richer than you.
How can the clay pot associate with the iron kettle? The pot will strike against it, and will itself be broken.
3. A rich man does wrong, and he even adds reproaches; a poor man suffers wrong, and he must add apologies. The Guilt Clause.
4. A rich man will exploit you if you can be of use to him, but if you are in need he will forsake you.
5. If you own something, he will live with you; he will drain your resources and he will not care.
6. When he needs you he will deceive you, he will smile at you and give you hope. He will speak to you kindly and say, "What do you need?"
7. He will shame you with his foods, until he has drained you two or three times; and finally he will deride you. Should he see you afterwards, he will forsake you, and shake his head at you.
8. Take care not to be led astray, and not to be humiliated in your feasting.
9. When a powerful man invites you, be reserved; and he will invite you the more often.
10. Do not push forward, lest you be repulsed; and do not remain at a distance, lest you be forgotten.
11. Do not try to treat him as an equal, nor trust his abundance of words;
for he will test you through much talk,
and while he smiles he will be examining you.
12. Cruel is he who does not keep words to himself; he will not hesitate to injure or to imprison.
13. Keep words to yourself and be very watchful, for you are walking about with your own downfall.
15. Every creature loves its like, and every person his neighbor;
16. all living beings associate by species, and a man clings to one like himself.
17. What fellowship has a wolf with a lamb?
No more has a sinner with a godly man.
18. What peace is there between a hyena and a dog? And what peace between a rich man and a poor man?
19. Wild asses in the wilderness are the prey of lions; likewise the poor are pastures for the rich.
20. Humility is an abomination to a proud man; likewise a poor man is an abomination to a rich one.
21. When a rich man totters, he is steadied by friends,
but when a humble man falls, he is even pushed away by friends.
22. If a rich man slips, his helpers are many; he speaks unseemly words, and they justify him.
If a humble man slips, they even reproach him; he speaks sensibly, and receives no attention.
23. When the rich man speaks all are silent, and they extol to the clouds what he says.
When the poor man speaks they say, "Who is this fellow?" And should he stumble, they even push him down.
24. Riches are good if they are free from sin, and poverty is evil in the opinion of the ungodly.
25. A man's heart changes his countenance, either for good or for evil.
26. The mark of a happy heart is a cheerful face,
but to devise proverbs requires painful thinking.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 14
1. Blessed is the man who does not blunder with his lips and need not suffer grief for sin.
2. Blessed is he whose heart does not condemn him, and who has not given up his hope.
3. Riches are not seemly for a stingy man; and of what use is property to an envious man?
4. Whoever accumulates by depriving himself, accumulates for others; and others will live in luxury on his goods.
5. If a man is mean to himself, to whom will he be generous?
He will not enjoy his own riches.6. No one is meaner than the man who is grudging to himself, and this is the retribution for his baseness;
7. even if he does good, he does it unintentionally, and betrays his baseness in the end.
8. Evil is the man with a grudging eye; he averts his face and disregards people.
9. A greedy man's eye is not satisfied with a portion, and mean injustice withers the soul.
10. A stingy man's eye begrudges bread, and it is lacking at his table.
11. My son, treat yourself well, according to your means, and present worthy offerings to the Lord.
12. Remember that death will not delay, and the decree of Hades has not been shown to you.
13. Do good to a friend before you die, and reach out and give to him as much as you can.
14. Do not deprive yourself of a happy day; let not your share of desired good pass by you.
15. Will you not leave the fruit of your labors to another, and what you acquired by toil to be divided by lot?
16. Give, and take, and beguile yourself, because in Hades one cannot look for luxury.
17. All living beings become old like a garment,
for the decree from of old is, "You must surely die!"
18. Like flourishing leaves on a spreading tree which sheds some and puts forth others,
so are the generations of flesh and blood: one dies and another is born.
19. Every product decays and ceases to exist, and the man who made it will pass away with it.
20. Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom and who reasons intelligently.
21. He who reflects in his mind on her ways will also ponder her secrets.
22. Pursue wisdom like a hunter, and lie in wait on her paths.
23. He who peers through her windows will also listen at her doors;
24. he who encamps near her house will also fasten his tent peg to her walls;
25. he will pitch his tent near her, and will lodge in an excellent lodging place;
26. he will place his children under her shelter, and will camp under her boughs;
27. he will be sheltered by her from the heat, and will dwell in the midst of her glory.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 15
1. The man who fears the Lord will do this, and he who holds to the law will obtain wisdom.
2. She will come to meet him like a mother, and like the wife of his youth she will welcome him.
3. She will feed him with the bread of understanding,
and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4. He will lean on her and will not fall, and he will rely on her and will not be put to shame.
5. She will exalt him above his neighbors, and will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly.
6. He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing, and will acquire an everlasting name.
7. Foolish men will not obtain her, and sinful men will not see her.
8. She is far from men of pride, and liars will never think of her.
9. A hymn of praise is not fitting on the lips of a sinner,
for it has not been sent from the Lord.
10. For a hymn of praise should be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.
11. Do not say, "Because of the Lord I left the right way"; for he will not do what he hates.
12. Do not say, "It was he who led me astray"; for he had no need of a sinful man.
13. The Lord hates all abominations, and they are not loved by those who fear him.
14. It was he who created man in the beginning,
and he left him in the power of his own inclination.
15. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
16. He has placed before you fire and water:
stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.
17. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.
18. For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything;
19. his eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every deed of man.
20. He has not commanded any one to be ungodly, and he has not given any one permission to sin.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 16
1. Do not desire a multitude of useless children, nor rejoice in ungodly sons
2. If they multiply , do not rejoice in them, unless the fear of the Lord is in them.
3. Do not trust in their survival, and do not rely on their multitude;
for one is better than a thousand, and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.
4. For through one man of understanding a city will be filled with people,
but through a tribe of lawless men it will be made desolate.
5. Many such things my eye has seen, and my ear has heard things more striking than these.
6. In an assembly of sinners a fire will be kindled,
and in a disobedient nation wrath was kindled.
7. He was not propitiated for the ancient giants who revolted in their might.
8. He did not spare the neighbors of Lot, whom he loathed on account of their insolence.
9. He showed no pity for a nation devoted to destruction, for those destroyed in their sins;
10. nor for the six hundred thousand men on foot, who rebelliously assembled in their stubbornness.
11. Even if there is only one stiff-necked person, it will be a wonder if he remains unpunished.
For mercy and wrath are with the Lord;
he is mighty to forgive, and he pours out wrath.
12. As great as his mercy, so great is also his reproof; he judges a man according to his deeds.
13. The sinner will not escape with his plunder, and the patience of the godly will not be frustrated.
14. He will make room for every act of mercy; every one will receive in accordance with his deeds.
17. Do not say, "I shall be hidden from the Lord, and who from on high will remember me?
Among so many people I shall not be known,
for what is my soul in the boundless creation?
18. Behold, heaven and the highest heaven, the abyss and the earth, will tremble at his visitation.
19. The mountains also and the foundations of the earth shake with trembling when he looks upon them.
20. And no mind will reflect on this. Who will ponder his ways?
21. Like a tempest which no man can see, so most of his works are concealed.
22. Who will announce his acts of justice? Or who will await them? For the covenant is far off."
23. This is what one devoid of understanding thinks; a senseless and misguided man thinks foolishly.
24. Listen to me, my son, and acquire knowledge, and pay close attention to my words.
25. I will impart instruction by weight, and declare knowledge accurately.
26. The works of the Lord have existed from the beginning by his creation, and when he made them, he determined their divisions.
27. He arranged his works in an eternal order, and their dominion for all generations; they neither hunger nor grow weary, and they do not cease from their labors.
28. They do not crowd one another aside, and they will never disobey his word.
29. After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his good things;
30. with all kinds of living beings he covered its surface, and to it they return.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 17
1. The Lord created man out of earth, and turned him back to it again.
2. He gave to men few days, a limited time, but granted them authority over the things upon the earth.
3. He endowed them with strength like his own, and made them in his own image.
4. He placed the fear of them in all living beings, and granted them dominion over beasts and birds.
6. He made for them tongue and eyes; he gave them ears and a mind for thinking.
7. He filled them with knowledge and understanding, and showed them good and evil.
8. He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the majesty of his works.
10. And they will praise his holy name, to proclaim the grandeur of his works.
11. He bestowed knowledge upon them, and allotted to them the law of life.
12. He established with them an eternal covenant, and showed them his judgments.
13. Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice.
14. And he said to them, "Beware of all unrighteousness." And he gave commandment to each of them concerning his neighbor.
15. Their ways are always before him, they will not be hid from his eyes.
17. He appointed a ruler for every nation, but Israel is the Lord's own portion.
19. All their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.
20. Their iniquities are not hidden from him, and all their sins are before the Lord.
22. A man's almsgiving is like a signet with the Lord and he will keep a person's kindness like the apple of his eye.
23. Afterward he will arise and requite them, and he will bring their recompense on their heads.
24. Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those whose endurance is failing.
25. Turn to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offenses.
26. Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hate abominations intensely
27. Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades, as do those who are alive and give thanks?
28. From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased;
he who is alive and well sings the Lord's praises.
29. How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!
30. For all things cannot be in men, since a son of man is not immortal.
31. What is brighter than the sun? Yet its light fails. So flesh and blood devise evil.
32. He marshals the host of the height of heaven; but all men are dust and ashes.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 18
1. He who lives for ever created the whole universe;
2. the Lord alone will be declared righteous.
3. Some witnesses add "and there is none beside him, (3) who can the world with his little finger, so that all things obey his ; as king of the universe, he has power to fix the bounds between is holy and what is profane.
4. To none has he given power to proclaim his works; and who can search out his mighty deeds?
5. Who can measure his majestic power? And who can fully recount his mercies?
6. It is not possible to diminish or increase them, nor is it possible to trace the wonders of the Lord.
7. When a man has finished, he is just beginning,
8. What is man, and of what use is he? What is his good and what is his evil?
9. The number of a man's days is great if he reaches a hundred years.
10. Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand so are a few years in the day of eternity.
11. Therefore the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy upon them.
12. He sees and recognizes that their end will be evil; therefore he grants them forgiveness in abundance.
13. The compassion of man is for his neighbor, but the compassion of the Lord is for all living beings.
He rebukes and trains and teaches them, and turns them back,
as a shepherd his flock.
14. He has compassion on those who accept his discipline and who are eager for his judgments.
15. My son, do not mix reproach with your good deeds, nor cause grief by your words when you present a gift.
16. Does not the dew assuage the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.
17. Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift? Both are to be found in a gracious man.
18. A fool is ungracious and abusive, and the gift of a grudging man makes the eyes dim.
19. Before you speak, learn, and before you fall ill, take care of your health.
20. Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of visitation you will find forgiveness.
21. Before falling ill, humble yourself, and when you are on the point of sinning, turn back.
22. Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly, and do not wait until death to be released from it.
23. Before making a vow, prepare yourself; and do not be like a man who tempts the Lord.
24. Think of his wrath on the day of death, and of the moment of vengeance when he turns away his face.
25. In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger; in the days of wealth think of poverty and need.
26. From morning to evening conditions change, and all things move swiftly before the Lord.
27. A wise man is cautious in everything, and in days of sin he guards against wrongdoing.
28. Every intelligent man knows wisdom, and he praises the one who finds her.
29. Those who understand sayings become skilled themselves, and pour forth apt proverbs.
30. Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.
31. If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire,
it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.
32. Do not revel in great luxury, lest you become impoverished by its expense.
33. Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed money, when you have nothing in your purse.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 19
1. A workman who is a drunkard will not become rich;
he who despises small things will fail little by little.
2. Wine and women lead intelligent men astray, and the man who consorts with harlots is very reckless.
3. Decay and worms will inherit him, and the reckless soul will be snatched away.
4. One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded, and one who sins does wrong to himself.
5. One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned,
6. and for one who hates gossip evil is lessened.
7. Never repeat a conversation, and you will lose nothing at all.
8. With friend or foe do not report it, and unless it would be a sin for you, do not disclose it;
9. for some one has heard you and watched you, and when the time comes he will hate you.
10. Have you heard a word? Let it die with you. Be brave! It will not make you burst!
11. With such a word a fool will suffer pangs like a woman in labor with a child.
12. Like an arrow stuck in the flesh of the thigh, so is a word inside a fool.
13. Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything, so that he may do it no more.
14. Question a neighbor, perhaps he did not say it; but if he said it, so that he may not say it again.
15. Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear.
16. A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has never sinned with his tongue?
17. Question your neighbor before you threaten him; and let the law of the Most High take its course.
20. All wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and in all wisdom there is the fulfilment of the law.
22. But the knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom,
nor is there prudence where sinners take counsel.
23. There is a cleverness which is abominable, but there is a fool who merely lacks wisdom.
24. Better is the God-fearing man who lacks intelligence, than the highly prudent man who transgresses the law.
25. There is a cleverness which is scrupulous but unjust, and there are people who distort kindness to gain a verdict.
26. There is a rascal bowed down in mourning, but inwardly he is full of deceit.
27. He hides his face and pretends not to hear; but where no one notices, he will forestall you.
28. And if by lack of strength he is prevented from sinning, he will do evil when he finds an opportunity.
29. A man is known by his appearance, and a sensible man is known by his face, when you meet him.
30. A man's attire and open-mouthed laughter, and a man's manner of walking, show what he is.
Ecclesiasticus or Sirach. 20
1. There is a reproof which is not timely; and there is a man who keeps silent but is wise.
2. How much better it is to reprove than to stay angry! And the one who confesses his fault will be kept from loss.
4. Like a eunuch's desire to violate a maiden is a man who executes judgments by violence.
5. There is one who by keeping silent is found wise, while another is detested for being too talkative.
6. There is one who keeps silent because he has no answer, while another keeps silent because he knows when to speak.
7. A wise man will be silent until the right moment, but a braggart and fool goes beyond the right moment.
8. Whoever uses too many words will be loathed, and whoever usurps the right to speak will be hated.
9. There may be good fortune for a man in adversity, and a windfall may result in a loss.
10. There is a gift that profits you nothing, and there is a gift that brings a double return.
11. There are losses because of glory, and there are men who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.
12. There is a man who buys much for a little, but pays for it seven times over.
13. The wise man makes himself beloved through his words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
14. A fool's gift will profit you nothing, for he has many eyes instead of one.
15. He gives little and upbraids much, he opens his mouth like a herald; today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back; such a one is a hateful man.
16. A fool will say, "I have no friend, and there is no gratitude for my good deeds; those who eat my bread speak unkindly."
17. How many will ridicule him, and how often!
18. A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily.
19. An ungracious man is like a story told at the wrong time, which is continually on the lips of the ignorant.
20. A proverb from a fool's lips will be rejected, for he does not tell it at its proper time.
21. A man may be prevented from sinning by his poverty, so when he rests he feels no remorse.
22. A man may lose his life through shame, or lose it because of his foolish look.
23. A man may for shame make promises to a friend, and needlessly make him an enemy.
24. A lie is an ugly blot on a man; it is continually on the lips of the ignorant.
25. A thief is preferable to a habitual liar, but the lot of both is ruin.
26. The disposition of a liar brings disgrace, and his shame is ever with him.
27. He who speaks wisely will advance himself, and a sensible man will please great men.
28. Whoever cultivates the soil will heap up his harvest, and whoever pleases great men will atone for injustice.
29. Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise; like a muzzle on the mouth they avert reproofs.
30. Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure, what advantage is there in either of them?
31. Better is the man who hides his folly than the man who hides his wisdom.
Sirach. 21
1. Have you sinned, my son? Do so no more, but pray about your former sins.
2. Flee from sin as from a snake;
for if you approach sin, it will bite you. Its teeth are lion's teeth, and destroy the souls of men.
3. All lawlessness is like a two-edged sword; there is no healing for its wound.
4. Terror and violence will lay waste riches; thus the house of the proud will be laid waste.
5. The prayer of a poor man goes from his lips to the ears of God, and his judgment comes speedily.
6. Whoever hates reproof walks in the steps of the sinner, but he that fears the Lord will repent in his heart.
7. He who is mighty in speech is known from afar; but the sensible man, when he slips, is aware of it.
8. A man who builds his house with other people's money is like one who gathers stones for his burial mound.
9. An assembly of the wicked is like tow gathered together, and their end is a flame of fire.
10. The way of sinners is smoothly paved with stones, but at its end is the pit of Hades.
11. Whoever keeps the law controls his thoughts, and wisdom is the fulfilment of the fear of the Lord.
12. He who is not clever cannot be taught, but there is a cleverness which increases bitterness.
13. The knowledge of a wise man will increase like a flood, and his counsel like a flowing spring.
14. The mind of a fool is like a broken jar; it will hold no knowledge.
15. When a man of understanding hears a wise saying, he will praise it and add to it; when a reveler hears it, he dislikes it and casts it behind his back.
16. A fool's narration is like a burden on a journey, but delight will be found in the speech of the intelligent.
17. The utterance of a sensible man will be sought in the assembly, they will ponder his words in their minds.
18. Like a house that has vanished, so is wisdom to a fool; and the knowledge of the ignorant is unexamined talk.
19. To a senseless man education is fetters on his feet, and like manacles on his right hand.
20. A fool raises his voice when he laughs, but a clever man smiles quietly.
21. To a sensible man education is like a golden ornament, and like a bracelet on the right arm.
22. The foot of a fool rushes into a house, but a man of experience stands respectfully before it.
23. A boor peers into the house from the door, but a cultivated man remains outside.
24. It is ill-mannered for a man to listen at a door, and a discreet man is grieved by the disgrace.
25. The lips of strangers will speak of these things, but the words of the prudent will be weighed in the balance.
26. The mind of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of wise men is in their mind.
27. When an ungodly man curses his adversary, he curses his own soul.
28. A whisperer defiles his own soul and is hated in his neighborhood.
Sirach. 22
1. The indolent may be compared to a filthy stone, and every one hisses at his disgrace.
2. The indolent may be compared to the filth of dunghills; any one that picks it up will shake it off his hand.
3. It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son, and the birth of a daughter is a loss.
4. A sensible daughter obtains her husband, but one who acts shamefully brings grief to her father.
5. An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband, and will be despised by both.
6. Like music in mourning is a tale told at the wrong time, but chastising and discipline are wisdom at all times.
7. He who teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together, or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.
8. He who tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man; and at the end he will say, "What is it?"
11. Weep for the dead, for he lacks the light; and weep for the fool, for he lacks intelligence; weep less bitterly for the dead, for he has attained rest; but the life of the fool is worse than death.
12. Mourning for the dead lasts seven days, but for a fool or an ungodly man it lasts all his life.
13. Do not talk much with a foolish man, and do not visit an unintelligent man; guard yourself from him to escape trouble, and you will not be soiled when he shakes himself off; avoid him and you will find rest, and you will never be wearied by his madness.
14. What is heavier than lead? And what is its name except "Fool"?
15. Sand, salt, and a piece of iron are easier to bear than a stupid man.
16. A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building will not be torn loose by an earthquake; so the mind firmly fixed on a reasonable counsel will not be afraid in a crisis.
17. A mind settled on an intelligent thought is like the stucco decoration on the wall of a colonnade.
18. Fences set on a high place will not stand firm against the wind; so a timid heart with a fool's purpose will not stand firm against any fear.
19. A man who pricks an eye will make tears fall, and one who pricks the heart makes it show feeling.
20. One who throws a stone at birds scares them away, and one who reviles a friend will break off the friendship.
21. Even if you have drawn your sword against a friend, do not despair, for a renewal of friendship is possible.
22. If you have opened your mouth against your friend, do not worry, for reconciliation is possible; but as for reviling, arrogance, disclosure of secrets, or a treacherous blow -- in these cases any friend will flee.
23. Gain the trust of your neighbor in his poverty, that you may rejoice with him in his prosperity; stand by him in time of affliction, that you may share with him in his inheritance.
24. The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;
so insults precede bloodshed.25. I will not be ashamed to protect a friend, and I will not hide from him;
26. but if some harm should happen to me because of him, whoever hears of it will beware of him.
27. O that a guard were set over my mouth, and a seal of prudence upon my lips, that it may keep me from falling, so that my tongue may not destroy me!
Sirach. 23
1. O Lord, Father and Ruler of my life, do not abandon me to their counsel, and let me not fall because of them!
2. O that whips were set over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over my mind! That they may not spare me in my errors, and that it may not pass by my sins;
3. in order that my mistakes may not be multiplied, and my sins may not abound; then I will not fall before my adversaries, and my enemy will not rejoice over me.
4. O Lord, Father and God of my life, do not give me haughty eyes,
5. and remove from me evil desire.
6. Let neither gluttony nor lust overcome me, and do not surrender me to a shameless soul.
7. Listen, my children, to instruction concerning speech; the one who observes it will never be caught.
8. The sinner is overtaken through his lips,
the reviler and the arrogant are tripped by them.
9. Do not accustom your mouth to oaths, and do not habitually utter the name of the Holy One;
10. for as a servant who is continually examined under torture will not lack bruises, so also the man who always swears and utters the Name will not be cleansed from sin.
11. A man who swears many oaths will be filled with iniquity, and the scourge will not leave his house; if he offends, his sin remains on him, and if he disregards it, he sins doubly; if he has sworn needlessly, he will not be justified, for his house will be filled with calamities.
12. There is an utterance which is comparable to death; may it never be found in the inheritance of Jacob! For all these errors will be far from the godly, and they will not wallow in sins.
13. Do not accustom your mouth to lewd vulgarity, for it involves sinful speech.
14. Remember your father and mother when you sit among great men; lest you be forgetful in their presence, and be deemed a fool on account of your habits; then you will wish that you had never been born, and you will curse the day of your birth.
15. A man accustomed to use insulting words will never become disciplined all his days.
16. Two sorts of men multiply sins, and a third incurs wrath. The soul heated like a burning fire will not be quenched until it is consumed; a man who commits fornication with his near of kin will never cease until the fire burns him up.
17. To a fornicator all bread tastes sweet; he will never cease until he dies.
18. A man who breaks his marriage vows says to himself, "Who sees me? Darkness surrounds me, and the walls hide me, and no one sees me. Why should I fear? The Most High will not take notice of my sins."
19. His fear is confined to the eyes of men, and he does not realize that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun; they look upon all the ways of men, and perceive even the hidden places.
20. Before the universe was created, it was known to him; so it was also after it was finished.
21. This man will be punished in the streets of the city, and where he least suspects it, he will be seized.
22. So it is with a woman who leaves her husband and provides an heir by a stranger.
23. For first of all, she has disobeyed the law of the Most High; second, she has committed an offense against her husband; and third, she has committed adultery through harlotry and brought forth children by another man.
24. She herself will be brought before the assembly, and punishment will fall on her children.
25. Her children will not take root, and her branches will not bear fruit.
26. She will leave her memory for a curse, and her disgrace will not be blotted out.
27. Those who survive her will recognize that nothing is better than the fear of the Lord, and nothing sweeter than to heed the commandments of the Lord.
Sirach. 24
1. Wisdom will praise herself, and will glory in the midst of her people.
2. In the assembly of the Most High she will open her mouth, and in the presence of his host she will glory:
3. "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.
4. I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.
5. Alone I have made the circuit of the vault of heaven and have walked in the depths of the abyss.
6. In the waves of the sea, in the whole earth, and in every people and nation I have gotten a possession.
7. Among all these I sought a resting place; I sought in whose territory I might lodge.
8. "Then the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and the one who created me assigned a place for my tent. And he said, `Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.'
9. From eternity, in the beginning, he created me,
and for eternity I shall not cease to exist.
10. In the holy tabernacle I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion.
11. In the beloved city likewise he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my dominion.
12. So I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, who is their inheritance.
13. "I grew tall like a cedar in Lebanon, and like a cypress on the heights of Hermon.
14. I grew tall like a palm tree in En-ge'di, and like rose plants in Jericho; like a beautiful olive tree in the field, and like a plane tree I grew tall.
15. Like cassia and camel's thorn I gave forth the aroma of spices, and like choice myrrh I spread a pleasant odor, like galbanum, onycha, and stacte, and like the fragrance of frankincense in the tabernacle.
16. Like a terebinth I spread out my branches, and my branches are glorious and graceful.
17. Like a vine I caused loveliness to bud, and my blossoms became glorious and abundant fruit.
19. "Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill of my produce.
20. For the remembrance of me is