Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1The wakefulness (M) of the rich wasteth his flesh; His care (M) dissipateth slumber.

2Care for sustenance breaketh off slumber; And sore sickness (M) dissipateth slumber. Reproach putteth to flight a faithful friend; But he that hideth a secret is beloved (?) as one's soul.

3The labour (M) of the rich is to gather (G S) wealth; And if he rest, it is to take pleasure.

4The poor toileth for the lack of his house; And if he rest, he becometh needy. The labour of the poor is for the lack of his means (?); And if he rest, it is to his lamentation (or he is distressed).

5He that pursueth after gold shall not be innocent; And he that loveth hire shall err thereby.

6Many are there that have been given in pledge (?) to gold; And that trusted (?) on rubies. And they found not how to escape from evil; Neither to save themselves in the day of wrath.

7For it is a stumblingblock to the fool; And whoso is simple is enticed thereby.

8Blessed is the man (H) that hath been found perfect; And that hath not gone aside after mammon.

9Who is he? and we will call him blessed: For he hath done wonderously among his people.

10Who is he? that we may cleave (H) unto him; And he shall have peace, and he shall have glory. For when as the peace of his life multiplieth, I will be a glory unto thee (?).

11Who hath blessed it (?), and made his life perfect? I will be a glory unto thee (?). Who was able to stray, and strayed not? And to do evil to a neighbour, and would not?

12Therefore his good is sure; And the congregation shall declare his praise. *******