Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1My son, mock not at the life of the poor (or of affliction); And make not the soul of him that is poor and bitter of soul (H) to pine.

2Vex not the spirit (?) of the soul that lacketh; And hide not thyself from one that is crushed (?) in soul.

3Trouble not the bowels of him that is humbled; And pain not the inward part of the poor.

4Withhold not a gift from thy needy; And thou shalt not despise the supplications of the miserable; And thou shalt not give him place to curse thee.

5He that is bitter of spirit crieth in the anguish of his soul; And his Rock (H) shall hear the voice of his cry.

6Make thyself (?) beloved of the congregation; And to a potentate moreover bow the head.

7Incline thine ear to the poor; And answer him Peace with meekness.

8Save the oppressed from his oppressors; And let not thy spirit loathe right judgement.

9Be as a father to orphans; And instead of a husband to widows.

10And God shall call thee Son; And shall be gracious to thee, and deliver thee from the pit.

11Wisdom teacheth (H) her sons; And testifieth (H) to all that attend to her.

12They that love her love life; And they that seek her shall obtain favour from the Lord.

13And they that retain her shall find honour from the Lord; And shall have grace shewed them by the blessing of the Lord.

14Ministers of holiness are her ministers; And God loveth them that love her (?).

15He that heareth me shall judge truth (G nations); And he that giveth ear to me shall dwell in my chamber within.

16For I will go with him, making myself strange; And at the first I (H he) will try him with temptations.

17And what time his heart is filled with me; I will turn and direct him, And reveal unto him of my secrets.

18If he turn away and decline from me (?), I will train him with fetters (or restraints).

19If he turn away from after me, I will cast him off, and deliver him to the spoilers.

20My son, observe season and time (?); And fear evil, and be not shamefaced unto thyself.

21For there is a shame (?) that ladeth with iniquity; And there is a shame that is honour and grace.

22Have not respect of thine own person; And stumble (H) not at thine offences.

23Withhold not a word (or to speak) in season (?); Nor ever conceal thy wisdom.

24For by speech wisdom is made known; And understanding by the answer of the tongue.

25Gainsay not the truth (H God); And submit thyself unto God.

26Be not ashamed to turn from iniquity; And stand not against a stream.

27Lay not thyself down for a fool to tread upon; And be not contrary before rulers.

28Sit not with one that judgeth unrighteously; For according to his pleasure (?) thou shalt judge with him.

29Unto death contend (?) for justice; And the Lord shall fight for thee.

30Be not called a double dealer; And slander not with (?) thy tongue.

31Be not boastful with thy tongue; And slack and negligent (?) in thy business.

32Be not as a dog (G lion) in thine house; And strange and fearful in thy business.

33Let not thine hand be opened to receive; And clenched in the midst of giving.