Sirac (NAB) 1







Book of


SIRACH


In Praise of Wisdom

1 1 All wisdom comes from the LORD and with him it remains forever.
2
The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these?
3
Heaven's height, earth's breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?
4
Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding, from eternity.5 To whom has wisdom's root been revealed? Who knows her subtleties?
6
There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne:7 It is the LORD; he created her, has seen her and taken note of her.
8
He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.
9
Fear of the LORD is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown.
10
Fear of the LORD warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days.


Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom

11 He who fears the LORD will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed.
12
The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, which is formed with the faithful in the womb.
13
With devoted men was she created from of old, and with their children her beneficence abides.
14
Fullness of wisdom is fear of the LORD; she inebriates men with her fruits.
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Her entire house she fills with choice foods, her granaries with her harvest.
16
Wisdom's garland is fear of the LORD, with blossoms of peace and perfect health.
17
Knowledge and full understanding she showers down; she heightens the glory of those who possess her.
18
The root of wisdom is fear of the LORD; her branches are length of days.
19
One cannot justify unjust anger; anger plunges a man to his downfall.
20
A patient man need stand firm but for a time, and then contentment comes back to him.21 For a while he holds back his words, then the lips of many herald his wisdom.
22
Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner.
23
If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD will bestow her upon you;
24
For fear of the LORD is wisdom and culture; loyal humility is his delight.
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Be not faithless to the fear of the LORD, nor approach it with duplicity of heart.
26
Play not the hypocrite before men; over your lips keep watch.
27
Exalt not yourself lest you fall and bring upon you dishonor;
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For then the LORD will reveal your secrets and publicly cast you down,
29
Because you approached the fear of the LORD with your heart full of guile.


Duties toward God

2 1 My son, when you come to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials.
2
Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity.
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Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.
4
Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient;
5
For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation.
6
Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him.
7
You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall.
8
You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost.
9
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.
10
Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
11
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble.
12
Woe to craven hearts and drooping hands, to the sinner who treads a double path!
13
Woe to the faint of heart who trust not, who therefore will have no shelter!
14
Woe to you who have lost hope! what will you do at the visitation of the LORD?
15
Those who fear the LORD disobey not his words; those who love him keep his ways.
16
Those who fear the LORD seek to please him, those who love him are filled with his law.
17
Those who fear the LORD prepare their hearts and humble themselves before him.
18
Let us fall into the hands of the LORD and not into the hands of men, For equal to his majesty is the mercy that he shows.


Duties toward Parents

3 1 Children, pay heed to a father's right; do so that you may live.
2
For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
3
He who honors his father atones for sins;
4
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
5
He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
6
He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.
7
He who fears the LORD honors his father, and serves his parents as rulers.
8
In word and deed honor your father that his blessing may come upon you;
9
For a father's blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother's curse uproots the growing plant.
10
Glory not in your father's shame, for his shame is no glory to you!
11
His father's honor is a man's glory; disgrace for her children, a mother's shame.
12
My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
13
Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.
14
For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.
15
In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.
16
A blasphemer is he who despises his father; accursed of his Creator, he who angers his mother.


Humility

17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
18
Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.19 For great is the power of God; by the humble he is glorified.
20
What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not.
21
What is committed to you, attend to; for what is hidden is not your concern.
22
With what is too much for you meddle not, when shown things beyond human understanding.
23
Their own opinion has misled many, and false reasoning unbalanced their judgment.
24
Where the pupil of the eye is missing, there is no light, and where there is no knowledge, there is no wisdom.25 A stubborn man will fare badly in the end, and he who loves danger will perish in it.
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A stubborn man will be burdened with sorrow; a sinner will heap sin upon sin.
27
For the affliction of the proud man there is no cure; he is the offshoot of an evil plant.
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The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man's joy.
29
Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.


Alms for the Poor

30 He who does a kindness is remembered afterward; when he falls, he finds a support.


Duties toward the Poor and the Oppressed

4 1 My son, rob not the poor man of his livelihood; force not the eyes of the needy to turn away.
2
A hungry man grieve not, a needy man anger not;
3
Do not exasperate the downtrodden; delay not to give to the needy.
4
A beggar in distress do not reject; avert not your face from the poor.
5
From the needy turn not your eyes, give no man reason to curse you;
6
For if in the bitterness of his soul he curse you, his Creator will hear his prayer.
7
Endear yourself to the assembly; before a ruler bow your head.
8
Give a hearing to the poor man, and return his greeting with courtesy;
9
Deliver the oppressed from the hand of the oppressor; let not justice be repugnant to you.
10
To the fatherless be as a father, and help their mother as a husband would; Thus will you be like a son to the Most High, and he will be more tender to you than a mother.


The Rewards of Wisdom

11 Wisdom instructs her children and admonishes those who seek her.
12
He who loves her loves life; those who seek her out win her favor.
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He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
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Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the LORD loves.
15
He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
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If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her.
17
She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test; Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline; With her precepts she puts him to the proof, until his heart is fully with her.
18
Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to him.
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But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
20
Use your time well; guard yourself from evil, and bring upon yourself no shame.
21
There is a sense of shame laden with guilt, and a shame that merits honor and respect.
22
Show no favoritism to your own discredit; let no one intimidate you to your own downfall.
23
Refrain not from speaking at the proper time, and hide not away your wisdom;
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For it is through speech that wisdom becomes known, and knowledge through the tongue's rejoinder.
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Never gainsay the truth, and struggle not against the rushing stream.
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Be not ashamed to acknowledge your guilt, but of your ignorance rather be ashamed.
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Do not abase yourself before an impious man, nor refuse to do so before rulers.
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Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you.
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Be not surly in your speech, nor lazy and slack in your deeds.
30
Be not a lion at home, nor sly and suspicious at work.
31
Let not your hand be open to receive and clenched when it is time to give.


Precepts for Everyday Living

5 1 Rely not on your wealth; say not: "I have the power."
2
Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart.
3
Say not: "Who can prevail against me?" for the LORD will exact the punishment.
4
Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" for the LORD bides his time.
5
Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin.
6
Say not: "Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive."
7
For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath.
8
Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day;
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For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed.
10
Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.
11
Winnow not in every wind, and start not off in every direction.
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Be consistent in your thoughts; steadfast be your words.
13
Be swift to hear, but slow to answer.
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If you have the knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth.
15
Honor and dishonor through talking! A man's tongue can be his downfall.16 Be not called a detractor; use not your tongue for calumny;17 For shame has been created for the thief, and the reproach of his neighbor for the double-tongued.


6 1 Say nothing harmful, small or great; be not a foe instead of a friend; A bad name and disgrace will you acquire: "That for the evil man with double tongue!"
2
Fall not into the grip of desire, lest, like fire, it consume your strength;
3
Your leaves it will eat, your fruits destroy, and you will be left a dry tree,
4
For contumacious desire destroys its owner and makes him the sport of his enemies.


Friendship, False and True

5 A kind mouth multiplies friends, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.
6
Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.
7
When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him
8
For one sort of friend is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress.
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Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame.
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Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.
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When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants;
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But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.
13
Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends.
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A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.
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A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth.
16
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
17
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.


Blessings of Wisdom

18 My son, from your youth embrace discipline; thus will you find wisdom with graying hair.
19
As though plowing and sowing, draw close to her; then await her bountiful crops.
20
For in cultivating her you will labor but little, and soon you will eat of her fruits.
21
How irksome she is to the unruly! The fool cannot abide her.
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She will be like a burdensome stone to test him, and he will not delay in casting her aside.
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For discipline is like her name, she is not accessible to many.
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Listen, my son, and heed my advice; refuse not my counsel.
25
Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck under her yoke.
26
Stoop your shoulders and carry her and be not irked at her bonds. "A wife's complaint should be made in meekness, and show itself in a slight flush; But a loud-mouthed, scolding wife is a trumpet signaling for battle: Any human being who answers that challenge will spend his life amid the turbulence of war."
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With all your soul draw close to her; with all your strength keep her ways.
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Search her out, discover her; seek her and you will find her. Then when you have her, do not let her go;
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Thus will you afterward find rest in her, and she will become your joy.
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Her fetters will be your throne of majesty; her bonds, your purple cord.
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You will wear her as your robe of glory, bear her as your splendid crown.
32
My son, if you wish, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd.
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If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give heed, you will be wise.
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Frequent the company of the elders; whoever is wise, stay close to him.
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Be eager to hear every godly discourse; let no wise saying escape you.
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If you see a man of prudence, seek him out; let your feet wear away his doorstep!
37
Reflect on the precepts of the LORD, let his commandments be your constant meditation; Then he will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire he will grant.


Miscellaneous Advice

7 1 Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you;
2
avoid wickedness, and it will turn aside from you.
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Sow not in the furrows of injustice, lest you harvest it sevenfold.
4
Seek not from the LORD authority, nor from the king a place of honor.
5
Parade not your justice before the Lord, and before the king flaunt not your wisdom.
6
Seek 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.
7
Be guilty of no evil before the city's populace, nor disgrace yourself before the assembly.
8
Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished.
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Say not: "He will appreciate my many gifts; the Most High will accept my offerings."
10
Be not impatient in prayers, and neglect not the giving of alms.
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Laugh not at an embittered man; be mindful of him who exalts and humbles.
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Plot no mischief against your brother, nor against your friend and companion.
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Delight not in telling lie after lie, for it never results in good.
14
Thrust not yourself into the deliberations of princes, and repeat not the words of your prayer.
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Hate not laborious tasks, nor farming, which was ordained by the Most High.
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Do not esteem yourself better than your fellows; remember, his wrath will not delay.
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More and more, humble your pride; what awaits man is worms.


Relations with Others

18 Barter not a friend for money, nor a dear brother for the gold of Ophir.
19
Dismiss not a sensible wife; a gracious wife is more precious than corals.
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Mistreat not a servant who faithfully serves, nor a laborer who devotes himself to his task.
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Let a wise servant be dear to you as your own self; refuse him not his freedom.
22
If you have livestock, look after them; if they are dependable, keep them.
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If you have sons, chastise them; bend their necks from childhood.
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If you have daughters, keep them chaste, and be not indulgent to them.
25
Giving your daughter in marriage ends a great task; but give her to a worthy man.
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If you have a wife, let her not seem odious to you; but where there is ill-feeling, trust her not.
27
With your whole heart honor your father; your mother's birthpangs forget not.
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Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you?
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With all your soul, fear God, revere his priests.
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With all your strength, love your Creator, forsake not his ministers.
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Honor God and respect the priest; give him his portion as you have been commanded: First fruits and contributions, due sacrifices and holy offerings.
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To the poor man also extend your hand, that your blessing may be complete;
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Be generous to all the living, and withhold not your kindness from the dead.
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Avoid not those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn;
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Neglect not to visit the sick-- for these things you will be loved.
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In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.


Prudence and Common Sense

8 1 Contend not with an influential man, lest you fall into his power.
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Quarrel not with a rich man, lest he pay out the price of your downfall; For gold has dazzled many, and perverts the character of princes.
3
Dispute not with a man of railing speech, heap no wood upon his fire.
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Be not too familiar with an unruly man, lest he speak ill of your forebears.
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Shame not a repentant sinner; remember, we all are guilty.
6
Insult no man when he is old, for some of us, too, will grow old.
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Rejoice not when a man dies; remember, we are all to die.
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Spurn not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs; From them you will acquire the training to serve in the presence of princes.
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Reject not the tradition of old men which they have learned from their fathers; From it you will obtain the knowledge how to answer in time of need.
10
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest you be consumed in his flaming fire.
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Let not the impious man intimidate you; it will set him in ambush against you.
12
Lend not to one more powerful than yourself; and whatever you lend, count it as lost.
13
Go not surety beyond your means; think any pledge a debt you must pay.
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Contend not at law with a judge, for he will settle it according to his whim.
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Travel not with a ruthless man, lest he weigh you down with calamity; For he will go his own way straight, and through his folly you will perish with him.
16
Provoke no quarrel with a quick-tempered man, nor ride with him through the desert, For bloodshed is nothing to him; when there is no one to help you, he will destroy you.
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Take no counsel with a fool, for he can keep nothing to himself.
18
Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret, for you know not what it will engender.
19
Open your heart to no man, and banish not your happiness.


Advice Concerning Women

9 1 Be not jealous of the wife of your bosom, lest you teach her to do evil against you.
2
Give no woman power over you to trample upon your dignity.
3
Be not intimate with a strange woman, lest you fall into her snares.
4
With a singing girl be not familiar, lest you be caught in her wiles.
5
Entertain no thoughts against a virgin, lest you be enmeshed in damages for her.
6
Give not yourself to harlots, lest you surrender your inheritance.
7
Gaze not about the lanes of the city and wander not through its squares;
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Avert your eyes from a comely woman; gaze not upon the beauty of another's wife-- Through woman's beauty many perish, for lust for it burns like fire.
9
With a married woman dine not, recline not at table to drink by her side, Lest your heart be drawn to her and you go down in blood to the grave.


Choice of Friends

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

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.


10 1 A wise magistrate lends stability to his people, and the government of a prudent man is well ordered.
2
As the people's judge, so are his ministers; as the head of a city, its inhabitants.
3
A wanton king destroys his people, but a city grows through the wisdom of its princes.
4
Sovereignty over the earth is in the hand of God, who raises up on it the man of the hour;
5
Sovereignty over every man is in the hand of God, who imparts his majesty to the ruler.


The Sin of Pride

6 No matter the wrong, do no violence to your neighbor, and do not walk the path of arrogance.
7
Odious to the LORD and to men is arrogance, and the sin of oppression they both hate.
8
Dominion is transferred from one people to another because of the violence of the arrogant.
9
Why are dust and ashes proud? even during life man's body decays;
10
A slight illness-- the doctor jests, a king today-- tomorrow he is dead.
11
When a man dies, he inherits corruption; worms and gnats and maggots.
12
The beginning of pride is man's stubbornness in withdrawing his heart from his Maker;
13
For pride is the reservoir of sin, a source which runs over with vice; Because of it God sends unheard-of afflictions and brings men to utter ruin.
14
The thrones of the arrogant God overturns and establishes the lowly in their stead.
15
The roots of the proud God plucks up, to plant the humble in their place:
16
He breaks down their stem to the level of the ground, then digs their roots from the earth.
17
The traces of the proud God sweeps away and effaces the memory of them from the earth.
18
Insolence is not allotted to a man, nor stubborn anger to one born of woman.


Persons Deserving Honor

19 Whose offspring can be in honor? Those of men. Which offspring are in honor? Those who fear God. Whose offspring can be in disgrace? Those of men. Which offspring are in disgrace? Those who transgress the commandments.
20
Among brethren their leader is in honor; he who fears God is in honor among his people.21 Be it tenant or wayfarer, alien or pauper, his glory is the fear of the LORD.
22
It is not just to despise a man who is wise but poor, nor proper to honor any sinner.
23
The prince, the ruler, the judge are in honor; but none is greater than he who fears God.
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When free men serve a prudent slave, the wise man does not complain.
25
Flaunt not your wisdom in managing your affairs, and boast not in your time of need.


Concerning Humility

26 Better the worker who has plenty of everything than the boaster who is without bread.
27
My son, with humility have self-esteem; prize yourself as you deserve.
28
Who will acquit him who condemns himself? who will honor him who discredits himself?
29
The poor man is honored for his wisdom as the rich man is honored for his wealth;
30
Honored in poverty, how much more so in wealth! Dishonored in wealth, in poverty how much the more!


The Deceptiveness of Appearances

11 1 The poor man's wisdom lifts his head high and sets him among princes.
2
Praise not a man for his looks; despise not a man for his appearance.
3
Least is the bee among winged things, but she reaps the choicest of all harvests.
4
Mock not the worn cloak and jibe at no man's bitter day: For strange are the works of the LORD, hidden from men his deeds.
5
The oppressed often rise to a throne, and some that none would consider wear a crown.
6
The exalted often fall into utter disgrace; the honored are given into enemy hands.


Deliberation and Caution

7 Before investigating, find no fault; examine first, then criticize.
8
Before hearing, answer not, and interrupt no one in the middle of his speech.
9
Dispute not about what is not your concern; in the strife of the arrogant take no part.
10
My son, why increase your cares, since he who is avid for wealth will not be blameless? Even if you run after it, you will never overtake it; however you seek it, you will not find it.
11
One may toil and struggle and drive, and fall short all the more.
12
Another goes his way a weakling and a failure, with little strength and great misery-- Yet the eyes of the LORD look favorably upon him; he raises him free of the vile dust,
13
Lifts up his head and exalts him to the amazement of the many.
14
Good and evil, life and death, poverty and riches, are from the LORD. 15 Wisdom and understanding and knowledge of affairs, love and virtuous paths are from the LORD. 16 Error and darkness were formed with sinners from their birth, and evil grows old with evildoers.
17
The LORD'S gift remains with the just; his favor brings continued success.
18
A man may become rich through a miser's life, and this is his allotted reward:
19
When he says: "I have found rest, now I will feast on my possessions," He does not know how long it will be till he dies and leaves them to others.
20
My son, hold fast to your duty, busy yourself with it, grow old while doing your task.
21
Admire not how sinners live, but trust in the LORD and wait for his light; For it is easy with the LORD suddenly, in an instant, to make a poor man rich.
22
God's blessing is the lot of the just man, and in due time his hopes bear fruit.
23
Say not: "What do I need? What further pleasure can be mine?"
24
Say not: "I am independent. What harm can come to me now?"
25
The day of prosperity makes one forget adversity; the day of adversity makes one forget prosperity.
26
For it is easy with the LORD on the day of death to repay man according to his deeds.
27
A moment's affliction brings forgetfulness of past delights; when a man dies, his life is revealed.
28
Call no man happy before his death, for by how he ends, a man is known.


Care in Choosing Friends

29 Bring not every man into your house, for many are the snares of the crafty one;
30
Though he seem like a bird confined in a cage, yet like a spy he will pick out the weak spots.
31
The talebearer turns good into evil; with a spark he sets many coals afire.
32
The evil man lies in wait for blood, and plots against your choicest possessions.
33
Avoid a wicked man, for he breeds only evil, lest you incur a lasting stain.
34
Lodge a stranger with you, and he will subvert your course, and make a stranger of you to your own household.


12 1 If you do good, know for whom you are doing it, and your kindness will have its effect.
2
Do good to the just man and reward will be yours, if not from him, from the LORD.
3
No good comes to him who gives comfort to the wicked, nor is it an act of mercy that he does.
4
Give to the good man, refuse the sinner; refresh the downtrodden, give nothing to the proud man.
5
No arms for combat should you give him, lest he use them against yourself;
6
With twofold evil you will meet for every good deed you do for him.
7
The Most High himself hates sinners, and upon the wicked he takes vengeance.
8
In our prosperity we cannot know our friends; in adversity an enemy will not remain concealed.
9
When a man is successful even his enemy is friendly; in adversity even his friend disappears.
10
Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in bronze.
11
Even though he acts humbly and peaceably toward you, take care to be on your guard against him. Rub him as one polishes a brazen mirror, and you will find that there is still corrosion.
12
Let him not stand near you, lest he oust you and take your place. Let him not sit at your right hand, lest he then demand your seat, And in the end you appreciate my advice, when you groan with regret, as I warned you.
13
Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten, or anyone who goes near a wild beast?
14
So is it with the companion of the proud man, who is involved in his sins:
15
While you stand firm, he makes no bold move; but if you slip, he cannot hold back.
16
With his lips an enemy speaks sweetly, but in his heart he schemes to plunge you into the abyss. Though your enemy has tears in his eyes, if given the chance, he will never have enough of your blood.
17
If evil comes upon you, you will find him at hand; feigning to help, he will trip you up,
18
Then he will nod his head and clap his hands and hiss repeatedly, and show his true face.


Caution Regarding Associates

13 1 He who touches pitch blackens his hand; he who associates with an impious man learns his ways.
2
Bear no burden too heavy for you; go with no one greater or wealthier than yourself. How can the earthen pot go with the metal cauldron? When they knock together, the pot will be smashed:
3
The rich man does wrong and boasts of it, the poor man is wronged and begs forgiveness.
4
As long as the rich man can use you he will enslave you, but when you are exhausted, he will abandon you.
5
As long as you have anything he will speak fair words to you, and with smiles he will win your confidence;
6
When he needs something from you he will cajole you, then without regret he will impoverish you.
7
While it serves his purpose he will beguile you, then twice or three times he will terrify you; When later he sees you he will pass you by, and shake his head over you.
8
Guard against being presumptuous; be not as those who lack sense.
9
When invited by a man of influence, keep your distance; then he will urge you all the more.
10
Be not bold with him lest you be rebuffed, but keep not too far away lest you be forgotten.
11
Engage not freely in discussion with him, trust not his many words; For by prolonged talk he will test you, and though smiling he will probe you.
12
Mercilessly he will make of you a laughingstock, and will not refrain from injury or chains.
13
Be on your guard and take care never to accompany men of violence.14 Every living thing loves its own kind, every man a man like himself.
15
Every being is drawn to its own kind; with his own kind every man associates.
16
Is a wolf ever allied with a lamb? So it is with the sinner and the just.
17
Can there be peace between the hyena and the dog? Or between the rich and the poor can there be peace?
18
Lion's prey are the wild asses of the desert; so too the poor are feeding grounds for the rich.
19
A proud man abhors lowliness; so does the rich man abhor the poor.
20
When a rich man stumbles he is supported by a friend; when a poor man trips he is pushed down by a friend.
21
Many are the supporters for a rich man when he speaks; though what he says is odious, it wins approval. When a poor man speaks they make sport of him; he speaks wisely and no attention is paid him.
22
A rich man speaks and all are silent, his wisdom they extol to the clouds. A poor man speaks and they say: "Who is that?" If he slips they cast him down.
23
Wealth is good when there is no sin; but poverty is evil by the standards of the proud.
24
The heart of a man changes his countenance, either for good or for evil.
25
The sign of a good heart is a cheerful countenance; withdrawn and perplexed is the laborious schemer.



Sirac (NAB) 1