The Book of Sirach

The Book of Sirach

The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a comprehensive guide to moral and religious life that covers almost every aspect of human conduct. It provides wisdom on friendship, family life, financial responsibility, and the proper way to approach the Lord in prayer. We learn that all wisdom comes from the Almighty and is found in the keeping of His holy commandments. Sirach has long been used in the Church for the instruction of catechumens and the formation of the faithful.

The text concludes with a magnificent praise of famous men who served the Lord throughout the history of Israel. It reminds us of the legacy of faith that we have inherited and the importance of passing it on to future generations. We are encouraged to be diligent in our search for truth and to find our strength in the tradition of the community. Sirach teaches us that a life of virtue is the only way to find true happiness and a lasting place in the memory of the Lord.

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Chapters

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

Chapter 1

1All wisdom is from the Lord God, and has always been with him, and is before all time. ? 2Who has numbered the sand of the sea, and the drops of the rain, and the days of the world? Who has measured the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss? ? 3Who has examined the wisdom of God, which precedes all things? ? 4Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence is before all time. ? 5The Word of God on high is the source of wisdom, whose steps are eternal commandments. ? 6To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed, and who has recognized her astuteness? ? 7To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest? And who has understood the multiplicity of her steps? ? 8The most high omnipotent Creator is One, and he is the mighty King, and he is exceedingly to be feared, sitting upon his throne, and he is the sovereign God. ? 9He created wisdom through the Holy Spirit, and he saw her, and numbered her, and measured her. ? 10And he poured her over all his works, and over all flesh, to the extent of his favor, and he has offered her to those who love him. ? 11The fear of the Lord is glory, and honor, and rejoicing, and a crown of exultation. ? 12The fear of the Lord will delight the heart, and will give joy and gladness and length of days. ? 13It will be well, in the very end, for him who fears the Lord, and on the day that he passes away, he will be blessed. ? 14The love of God is honorable wisdom. ? 15And those to whom she will appear for their consideration love her because of what they see and know of her great works. ? 16The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and was created with the faithful in the womb, and walks with elect women, and is known by the just and the faithful. ? 17The fear of the Lord is the sanctity of knowledge. ? 18Sanctity will guard and justify the heart, and will bestow happiness and joy. ? 19It will be well with him who fears the Lord, and at the consummation of his days, he will be blessed. ? 20To fear God is the fullness of wisdom, and it is a fullness from its fruits. ? 21She will fill her entire house from her offspring, and storehouses from her treasures. ? 22The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, the completion of peace, and the fruit of salvation. ? 23And the fear of the Lord has seen and numbered wisdom; but both are gifts of God. ? 24Wisdom will distribute knowledge and an understanding of prudence; and she lifts up the glory of those who hold to her. ? 25The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and its branches are long-lived. ? 26In the treasures of wisdom is understanding and the sanctity of knowledge. But to sinners, wisdom is an abomination. ? 27The fear of the Lord expels sin. ? 28For he who is without fear is not able to be justified. For the disposition of his spirit is his undoing. ? 29Those who are patient will suffer for a brief time, and afterwards, happiness will return. ? 30A noble mind will hide his words for a brief time, and then the lips of many will declare his understanding. ? 31Among the treasures of wisdom is the outward sign of discipline. ? 32But to those who sin, the worship of God is an abomination. ? 33Son, if you desire wisdom, observe justice, and then God will offer her to you. ? 34For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline. ? 35And what pleases him is faith and meekness. And so shall he complete his treasures. ? 36You should not be incredulous to the fear of the Lord. And you should not draw close to him with a duplicitous heart. ? 37You should not be a hypocrite in the sight of men. And you should not scandalize with your lips. ? 38Attend to these things, otherwise you may fall and bring dishonor to your soul. ? 39And then God may uncover your secrets, and he may cast you down forcefully in the midst of the congregation. ? 40For you drew near to the Lord wickedly, and your heart was filled with deceit and falseness. ?

Chapter 2

1Son, when you apply yourself to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear, and prepare your soul for temptation. ? 2Humble your heart, and persevere. Incline your ear, and accept words of understanding. And you should not hurry away in the time of distress. ? 3Endure steadfastly for God. Join yourself to God, and persevere, so that your life may increase in the very end. ? 4Accept everything that will happened to you, and persevere in your sorrow, and have patience in your humiliation. ? 5For gold and silver are tested in fire, yet truly, acceptable men are tested in the furnace of humiliation. ? 6Believe God, and he will restore you to health. And straighten your way, and hope in him. Observe his fear, and grow old in it. ? 7You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy. And do not turn away from him, lest you fall. ? 8You who fear the Lord, believe in him. And your reward will not be taken away. ? 9You who fear the Lord, hope in him. And mercy will approach you, to your delight. ? 10You who fear the Lord, love him. And your hearts will be illuminated. ? 11My sons, consider the nations of men, and know that not one of them hoped in the Lord and was confounded. ? 12For who has remained in his commandment and been abandoned? Or who has called upon him, and yet he despised him? ? 13For God is upright and merciful, and he will forgive sins in the day of tribulation. And he is the Protector to all those who seek him in truth. ? 14Woe to the duplicitous heart, and to the wicked lips, and to the hands that do evil, and to the sinner who walks the earth by two ways! ? 15Woe to the dissolute in heart, who do not trust God! For, as a result, they will not be protected by him. ? 16Woe to those who have lost endurance, and who have abandoned upright ways, and who have turned aside to depraved ways! ? 17And what will they do when the Lord begins to examine them? ? 18Those who fear the Lord will not be unbelieving toward his Word. And those who love him will keep to his way. ? 19Those who fear the Lord will seek the things that are well-pleasing to him. And those who love him will be filled with his law. ? 20Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and they will sanctify their souls in his sight. ? 21Those who fear the Lord keep his commandments, and they will have patience even until his examination, ? 22saying: �If we do not do penance, then we will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men.� ? 23For according to his greatness, so also is his mercy with him. ?

Chapter 3

1The sons of wisdom are the Church of the just: and their generation is obedience and love. ? 2Sons, listen to the judgment of your father, and act accordingly, so that you may be saved. ? 3For God has honored the father in the sons, and, when seeking the judgment of the mother, he has confirmed it in the children. ? 4He who loves God will plead with him on behalf of sins, and will keep himself away from sin, and will be heeded in the prayers of his days. ? 5And, like one who stores up treasure, so also is he who honors his mother. ? 6He who honors his father will find happiness in his own children, and he will be heeded in the day of his prayer. ? 7He who honors his father will live a long life. And he who obeys his father will be a refreshment to his mother. ? 8He who fears the Lord honors his parents, and he will serve them as masters, for it is they who conceived him. ? 9In word and deed, and in all things, honor your father with patience, ? 10so that a blessing may come to you from him, and so that his blessing may remain to the very end. ? 11The blessing of the father strengthens the houses of the sons; but the curse of the mother uproots even its foundation. ? 12Do not boast in the disgrace of your father; for his shame is not your glory. ? 13For the glory of a man is from the honor of his father, and a father without honor is a discredit to the son. ? 14Son, support your father in his old age, and do not grieve him in his life. ? 15And if his mind should fail, show kindness; and do not spurn him when you are in your strength. For almsgiving to the father will never be forgotten. ? 16For even in return for the sin of the mother, good will be repaid to you. ? 17And you will be built up in justice, and you will be remembered in the day of tribulation. And your sins will dissolve like ice in warm weather. ? 18What an evil form has he who forsakes his father! And whoever exasperates his mother is accursed by God. ? 19Son, perform your works in meekness, and you shall be loved beyond the glory of men. ? 20However great you may be, humble yourself in all things, and you will find grace in the presence of God. ? 21For only the power of God is great, and he is honored by the humble. ? 22You should not seek the things that are too high for you, and you should not examine the things that are beyond your ability. But as for the things that God has entrusted to you, consider these always. But you should not be curious in too many of his works. ? 23For it is not necessary for you to see with your own eyes the things that are hidden. ? 24In unnecessary matters, do not choose to be an examiner of many different things, and you should not be curious about too many of his works. ? 25For many things have been revealed to you, beyond the understanding of men. ? 26Yet uncertainty in these things has also undermined many persons and has detained their minds in vanity. ? 27A hardened heart will have evil in the very end, and he who loves peril will perish in it. ? 28A heart advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved heart will be scandalized in this way. ? 29A wicked heart will be burdened with sorrows, and a sinner will add further sins. ? 30The synagogue of the arrogant will not be healed. For the stalk of sinfulness will take root in them, and it will not be understood. ? 31The heart of the wise is understood by wisdom, and a good ear will listen to wisdom with all its desire. ? 32A wise and understanding heart will abstain from sins, and will have success in works of justice. ? 33Water extinguishes a burning fire, and almsgiving withstands sins. ? 34And God is the watchman for him who repays a kindness. He remembers him afterwards, and in the time of his fall, he will find a firm support. ?

Chapter 4

1Son, you should not cheat the poor out of alms, nor should you avert your eyes from a poor man. ? 2You should not despise the hungry soul, and you should not aggravate a poor man in his need. ? 3You should not afflict the heart of the needy, and you should not delay an offer to someone in anguish. ? 4You should not make requests of one who is greatly troubled, and you should not avert your face from the indigent. ? 5You should not avert your eyes from the needy out of anger. And you should not abandon those who seek help from you, so that they speak curses behind your back. ? 6For the pleadings of him who speaks curses of you, in the bitterness of his soul, will be heeded. For the One who made him will heed him. ? 7Make yourself a friend to the congregation of the poor, and humble your soul before an elder, and humble your head before the great. ? 8Turn your ear without sadness toward the poor, and repay your debt, and respond to him peacefully in meekness. ? 9Free him who suffers injury at the hand of the arrogant, and do not carry animosity in your soul. ? 10In judging, be merciful to the orphan, like a father, and be merciful to their mother, like a husband. ? 11And then you shall be like an obedient son of the Most High, and he will take pity on you more than a mother would. ? 12Wisdom breathes life into her sons, and she lifts up those who are seeking her, and she will precede them in the way of justice. ? 13And he who loves her loves life. And those who watch for her shall embrace her delights. ? 14Those who hold to her will inherit life. And whatever place she enters, God will bless. ? 15Those who serve her will yield to what is holy. And God loves those who love wisdom. ? 16He who listens to her shall judge the nations. And he who gazes upon her will remain secure. ? 17If he believes in her, he will inherit her, and whatever arises from him will be confirmed. ? 18For she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginning. ? 19She will lead fear and dread and trials over him, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his soul. ? 20And then she will strengthen him, and lead him along a straight path, and rejoice in him. ? 21And she will disclose her secrets to him, and she will store up treasure, of the knowledge and understanding of justice, in him. ? 22But if he has wandered astray, she will leave him behind, and she will deliver him into the hands of his enemy. ? 23Son, be continually observant, and keep away from evil. ? 24For the sake of your soul, you should not be ashamed to speak the truth. ? 25For there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that brings glory and grace. ? 26You should not accept a face contrary to your own face, nor should you accept a lie contrary to your own soul. ? 27You should not enjoy the fall of your neighbor. ? 28Neither should you withhold words at an opportunity for salvation. You should not conceal your wisdom in her beauty. ? 29For wisdom is discerned within speech. And understanding and knowledge and doctrine are discerned in the words of those who understand and by their steadfastness in the works of justice. ? 30You should not contradict a word of truth in any way. Otherwise, by a falsehood born of ignorance, you will be confounded. ? 31You should not be ashamed to confess your sins, but do not subject yourself to any man because of sin. ? 32Do not choose to stand against the face of the powerful, for you should not strive against the current of the river. ? 33Suffer for justice, on behalf of your soul, and struggle, even unto death, on behalf of justice, and God will fight against your enemies on your behalf. ? 34Do not choose to be quick with your words, nor unproductive or neglectful in your works. ? 35Do not choose to be like a lion in your house, distressing those of your household, and oppressing those who are subject to you. ? 36Do not let your hand be open when receiving, but closed when giving. ?

Chapter 5

1Do not choose to seek iniquitous possessions, and you should not say: �I have all I need in life.� For it will be of no benefit to you in the time of retribution and darkness. ? 2You should not pursue, in your strength, the desires of your heart. ? 3And you should not say: �How powerful am I?� or, �Who will cast me down because of my deeds?� For God will vindicate with vengeance. ? 4You should not say, �I sinned, and what grief has befallen me?� For the Most High is a patient recompensor. ? 5Do not be willing to be without fear concerning a forgiven sin, and you should not add sin upon sin. ? 6And you should not say: �The compassion of the Lord is great; he will take pity on the multitude of my sins.� ? 7For both mercy and wrath go forth quickly from him, and his wrath sets its gaze upon sinners. ? 8You should not delay being converted to the Lord, and you should not set it aside from day to day. ? 9For his wrath will approach suddenly, and in the time of vindication, he will destroy you. ? 10Do not choose to be anxious for unjust wealth. For these things will not benefit you in the day of darkness and retribution. ? 11You should not winnow in every wind, and you should not go forth into every path. For so is every sinner proven by his duplicitous tongue. ? 12Be steadfast in the way of the Lord and in the truth of your understanding and knowledge, and let words of peace and justice overtake you. ? 13Be meek when listening to a word, so that you may understand. And offer a true response in wisdom. ? 14If you understand, then answer your neighbor. But if you do not, then let your hand be over your mouth, so that you are not caught by an inept word, and then confounded. ? 15Honor and glory are in the words of those who understand, yet truly, the tongue of the imprudent man is his undoing. ? 16You should not be called a whisperer, and you should not be caught by your own tongue, and then confounded. ? 17For confusion and remorse is upon a thief, and a wicked mark is upon the double-tongued; but for the whisperer, there is hatred and animosity and disgrace. ? 18Justify the small and the great similarly. ?

Chapter 6

1Do not be willing to become an enemy instead of a friend to your neighbor. For an evil man will inherit reproach and disgrace, as will every sinner who is envious and double-tongued. ? 2You should not extol yourself, like a bull, in the thoughts of your soul, lest perhaps your strength may be cast down through foolishness, ? 3which would consume your leaves, and destroy your fruit, and leave you behind like a dry tree in the desert. ? 4For a wicked soul will destroy the one who has it. For it gladly provides enemies to him, and it will lead him to the fate of the impious. ? 5A sweet word multiplies friends and mitigates enemies. And thankful words abound in a good man. ? 6Allow many to be at peace with you, but allow one out of a thousand to be your counselor. ? 7If you would obtain a friend, test him before you accept him, and do not trust him readily. ? 8For there is a friend according to his own time, but he will not remain in the day of tribulation. ? 9And there is a friend who can be turned to animosity. And there is a friend who will reveal hatred and ridicule and insults. ? 10And there is a friend who is a companion at table, but he will not remain in a day of need. ? 11A friend, if he remains steadfast, will be to you as you are to yourself, and he will act with faithfulness among those of your household. ? 12If he humbles himself before you and hides himself from your face, you shall have a noble and harmonious friendship. ? 13Distance yourself from your enemies, and pay attention to your friends. ? 14A faithful friend is a strong shelter, and whoever has found one has found a treasure. ? 15Nothing is comparable to a faithful friend, and no weight of silver or gold is worth more than the goodness of his fidelity. ? 16A faithful friend is a medicine for life and immortality; and those who fear the Lord will find one. ? 17He who fears God will have a similar good friendship, because his friend will be like him. ? 18Son, from your youth receive instruction, and then you will find wisdom, even to your grey hairs. ? 19Approach wisdom like one who plows and sows, and then wait for her good fruits. ? 20For in doing her work, you will labor a little, but you will soon eat from her produce. ? 21How exceedingly harsh is wisdom to unlearned men! And so, the witless will not remain with her. ? 22She will be to them like a great stone of trial, and they will cast her away from them without delay. ? 23For the wisdom of doctrine is in accord with her name, and she is not manifest to many. But she continues with those by whom she is recognized, even in the sight of God. ? 24Listen, son, and accept an understanding counsel, for you should not discard my advice. ? 25Set your feet in her fetters and your neck in her chains. ? 26Incline your shoulder, and carry her, for you will not be grieved by her bindings. ? 27Approach her with all your soul, and serve her ways with all your strength. ? 28Examine her, and she will be revealed to you, and when you have obtained her, you should not abandon her. ? 29For, in the very end, you will find rest in her, and she will turn into your delight. ? 30Then her fetters will be a strong protection and a firm foundation for you, and her chains will be a robe of glory. ? 31For in her is the beauty of life, and her bindings are a healing bandage. ? 32You will be clothed with her as with a robe of glory, and you will set her upon your head like a crown of rejoicing. ? 33Son, if you heed me, you will learn. And if you adapt your mind, you will be wise. ? 34If you incline your ear, you will receive doctrine. And if you love to listen, you will be wise. ? 35Stand among the multitude of prudent elders, and join yourself to their wisdom from the heart, so that you may be able to hear every discourse about God, and so that the proverbs of praise may not flee from you. ? 36And if you see a man of understanding, stand watch for him, and let your feet wear down the steps of his doors. ? 37Set your thoughts on the precepts of God, and be entirely constant in his commandments. And he himself will give a heart to you, and the desire of wisdom will be given to you. ?

Chapter 7

1Do not choose to do evil, and evil will not take hold of you. ? 2Withdraw from the iniquitous, and evil will withdraw from you. ? 3Son, do not sow evil in the furrows of injustice, and you will not reap them sevenfold. ? 4Do not seek a role of leadership from the Lord, and do not seek a seat of honor from the king. ? 5You should not justify yourself before God, for he is the Knower of hearts. And by no means should you wish to seem wise before the king. ? 6Do not seek to become a judge, unless you have sufficient strength to shatter iniquities. Otherwise, you might fear the face of the powerful, and so establish a scandal within your integrity. ? 7You should not sin against the multitude of a city, nor should you cast yourself against the people. ? 8And you should not bind two sins together. For even in one sin, you will not go unpunished. ? 9Do not be cowardly in your soul. ? 10You should not be unwilling to beg, nor to give alms. ? 11You should not say: �God will look with favor on the multitude of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the most high God, he will accept my gift.� ? 12You should not ridicule a man in bitterness of soul. For there is One who humbles and who exalts: the all-seeing God. ? 13Do not love a lie against your brother, nor should you act the same toward your friend. ? 14Do not be willing to devise a lie of any kind. For the practice of lying is not good. ? 15Do not choose to be verbose among a multitude of elders, and you should not repeat the words of your prayers. ? 16You should not hate laborious works, nor the rustic life created by the Most High. ? 17You should not consider yourself to be among the multitude of the undisciplined. ? 18Remember wrath. For it will not be delayed. ? 19Humble your spirit greatly. For the retribution against the flesh of the impious is with fire and worms. ? 20Do not betray your friend for the sake of money, and you should not spurn your dearest brother for the sake of gold. ? 21Do not choose to depart from a good and understanding wife, whom you have been allotted in the fear of the Lord. For the grace of her modesty is above gold. ? 22You should not harm the servant whose works are honest, nor the hired hand who entrusts his life to you. ? 23Let an understanding servant be loved by you like your own soul. You should not cheat him out of freedom, nor abandon him to destitution. ? 24Are cattle yours? Tend to them. And if they are useful, let them remain with you. ? 25Are sons yours? Instruct them, and bow them down from their childhood. ? 26Are daughters yours? Watch over their bodies. And you should not display a light-hearted attitude toward them. ? 27Give your daughter in marriage, and give her to an understanding man, and you will be doing a great work. ? 28If a wife in accord with your soul is yours, you should not reject her. But do not entrust yourself to her who is hateful. ? 29With your whole heart, honor your father. And you should not forget the complaints of your mother. ? 30Remember that you would not have been born except through them. And so, give back to them as they also have done for you. ? 31With all your soul, fear the Lord, and consider his priests to be holy. ? 32With all your strength, love him who made you, and you should not abandon his ministers. ? 33Honor God from your whole soul, and confer honor on the priests, and continue to purify yourself with your strength. ? 34Give them their portion, just as it has been commanded of you, from the first-fruits and from the purifications. And for your ignorant offenses, purify yourself with a smaller offering. ? 35You should offer to the Lord the gift of your strength, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first-fruits of what is holy. ? 36And reach out your hand to the poor, so that your atonement and your blessing may be perfected. ? 37A gift has grace in the sight of all the living, but you should not prohibit grace for the dead. ? 38You should not fail to console those who are weeping, nor to walk with those who are mourning. ? 39Do not let yourself be slow to visit the sick. For in this way, you will be confirmed in love. ? 40In all your works, remember your very end, and so you will not sin, unto eternity. ?

Chapter 8

1You should not quarrel with a powerful man, lest perhaps you may fall into his hands. ? 2You should not contend with a wealthy man, lest perhaps he may bring an action against you. ? 3For gold and silver have destroyed many, and have reached and corrupted even the hearts of kings. ? 4You should not quarrel with a man who is full of words, for you should not cast wood upon his fire. ? 5You should not confide in an ignorant man, lest he speak evil about your family. ? 6You should not despise a man who turns himself away from sin, nor reproach him with it. Remember that we are all subject to correction. ? 7You should not spurn a man in his old age. For we are all subject to growing old. ? 8Do not be willing to rejoice at the death of your enemy, knowing that we all die, and that we do not want others rejoice over us. ? 9You should not despise the discourse of those who are old and wise; instead, ponder their proverbs. ? 10For from them, you will learn wisdom and intelligent doctrine, so as to serve great men without blame. ? 11Do not allow the discourse of your elders to pass you by. For they have learned from their fathers. ? 12And from them, you will learn understanding, and you will learn what response to give in a time of necessity. ? 13You should not kindle the coals of sinners by arguing with them. For you might be scorched by the flame from the fire of their sins. ? 14You should not stand against the face of a contemptuous person, otherwise he may sit down as if waiting in ambush against your words. ? 15You should not lend to a man who is stronger than you. But if you do lend, consider it lost. ? 16You should not promise beyond your ability. But if you do promise, consider how to fulfill it. ? 17You should not judge against a judge. For he judges according to what is just. ? 18You should not go forth on the way with an audacious man, lest perhaps he may burden you with his evils. For he goes forth according to his own will, and you will perish with him in his folly. ? 19You should not start a conflict with an angry man, and you should not go into the desert with an audacious man. For shedding blood is nothing to him, and in a place where there is no help for you, he will overthrow you. ? 20You should not hold counsel with the foolish. For they are not able to love anything except what pleases them. ? 21You should not take counsel in the sight of an outsider. For you do not know what he will do next. ? 22You should not reveal your heart to every man, lest perhaps he may offer a false kindness to you, and then speak reproachfully about you. ?

Chapter 9

1You should not be jealous of the wife of your bosom, lest she reveal, because of you, the malice of a wicked lesson. ? 2You should not give authority over your soul to a woman, lest she obtain your strength, and then you would be confounded. ? 3You should not look with favor on a woman with many desires, lest perhaps you may fall into her traps. ? 4You should not be continually in need of entertainment, nor should you be persuaded by it, lest perhaps you may perish by its effectiveness. ? 5You should not stare at a virgin, lest perhaps you may be scandalized by her beauty. ? 6You should not give your soul, in any way, to fornicators, lest you destroy yourself and your inheritance. ? 7Do not choose to look around in the streets of the city, nor should you wander along its thoroughfares. ? 8Avert your face from an ornate woman, for you should not gaze upon strange beauty. ? 9Many have perished because of the beauty of a woman; and by this, desire is kindled like a fire. ? 10Every woman who is a fornicator will be trampled down, like the filth in the street. ? 11Many, by admiring the beauty of the wife of another, have become reprobate. For familiarity with her flares up like a fire. ? 12You should not sit down at all with another man�s wife, nor recline with her on a couch. ? 13And you should not argue with her over wine, lest perhaps your heart may turn toward her, and by your emotion, you would be toppled into perdition. ? 14You should not abandon a old friend. For a new one will not be similar to him. ? 15A new friend is like new wine. It will grow old, and then you will enjoy drinking it. ? 16You should not envy the glory and wealth of a sinner. For you do not know what may be his undoing in the future. ? 17The injury of the unjust should not please you, knowing that, until they are in hell, the impious will not please. ? 18Keep yourself far from a man having the power to kill, and then you will not have the fear of death suspended over you. ? 19But if you do approach him, do nothing to offend, lest perhaps he may take away your life. ? 20Know that this is a communion with death. For you would be entering the midst of snares, and walking upon the arms of the grieving. ? 21According to your ability, be cautious of your neighbor, and treat him as the wise and prudent would. ? 22Let just men be your companions, and let your glory be in the fear of God. ? 23And let the thought of God be in your mind, and let all your discourse be on the precepts of the Most High. ? 24Works will be praised for the hands of the artists, and a leader of the people will be praised for the wisdom of his words, yet truly, the word of the elders will be praised for its understanding. ? 25A man full of words is a dread to his city, but one who speaks rashly will be hated for his word. ?

Chapter 10

1A wise judge will judge his people, and the leadership of an understanding man will be steadfast. ? 2As the judge of the people is, so also are his assistants. And whatever kind of man the ruler of a city is, of such a kind also are those who live in it. ? 3A foolish king will be the ruin of his people. For cities will be inhabited through the understanding of those with power. ? 4Power over the earth is in the hand of God, and, in due time, he will raise up a helpful leader over the earth. ? 5The prosperity of a man is in the hand of God, and he will place his honor above the face of the scribe. ? 6You should forget all injury done to you by your neighbor, and you should do nothing among the works of injury. ? 7Arrogance is hateful in the sight of God and of men. And all iniquity among the nations is abominable. ? 8A kingdom is transferred from one people to another because of injustices, and injuries, and contempt, and every kind of deceit. ? 9But nothing is more wicked than a greedy man. Why should that which is earth and ashes be arrogant? ? 10There is nothing more iniquitous than to love money. For such a one has sold even his own soul. For in his life, he casts aside his innermost being. ? 11All power is of short life. A prolonged sickness is of grave concern to a physician. ? 12A physician causes a sickness to be shortened. So also, a king is here today, and tomorrow he will die. ? 13For when a man dies, he will inherit serpents, and wild beasts, and worms. ? 14The beginning of the arrogance of man is apostasy from God. ? 15For his heart has withdrawn from the One who made him. For arrogance is the beginning of all sin. Whoever holds to it, will be filled with evil words, and it will overthrow him in the end. ? 16Because of this, the Lord has dishonored the gatherings of the evil, and he has destroyed them, even unto the end. ? 17God has destroyed the seats of arrogant leaders, and he has caused the meek to be seated in their place. ? 18The roots of arrogant nations, God has dried up, and the humble among these nations, he has planted. ? 19The Lord has overthrown the lands of the Gentiles, and he has utterly destroyed them, even to their foundation. ? 20He has dried up some of them, and he has utterly destroyed them, and he has caused their memory to depart from the earth. ? 21God has abolished the memory of the arrogant, and he has left behind only the memory of those who are humble in mind. ? 22Arrogance was not created for men, nor was an angry temperament created for the gender of women. ? 23Those who fear God among the offspring of men will be honored. But those among the offspring who ignore the commandments of the Lord will be dishonored. ? 24In the midst of his brothers, a ruler has honor. And those who fear the Lord will have honor in his eyes. ? 25The fear of God is the glory of the wealthy, and of the honorable, and of the poor. ? 26Do not choose to despise a just man who is poor, and do not choose to magnify a sinful man who is rich. ? 27The great man, and the judge, and the powerful have honor. But no one is greater than he who fears God. ? 28Those who are free will serve an understanding servant. And a prudent and disciplined man will not murmur at correction. But an ignorant man will not be honored. ? 29Do not choose to extol yourself in doing your work, and do not be unproductive during the time of distress. ? 30He who works, and so abounds in all things, is better than he who boasts, and so lacks bread. ? 31Son, preserve your soul in meekness, and give it honor according to its merit. ? 32Who will justify one who sins in his soul? And who will honor one who dishonors his soul? ? 33The poor man is glorified by his discipline and fear. And there is a man who is honored because of his substance. ? 34But if someone is glorified in poverty, how much more in substance? And whoever is glorified in substance, let him fear poverty. ?

Chapter 11

1The wisdom of one who is humble will exalt his head, and will cause him to sit down in the midst of great men. ? 2You should not praise a man for his beauty, and you should not despise a man for his appearances. ? 3The bee is small among flying things, but its fruit holds the summit of sweetness. ? 4You should not glory in clothing at any time, and you should not let yourself be extolled in the day of your honor. For the works of the Most High alone are wondrous; and glorious and hidden and unseen are his works. ? 5Many tyrants have sat upon a throne, and one whom no one would admire has worn a diadem. ? 6Many powerful men have been powerfully cast down, and the illustrious have been handed over into the hands of others. ? 7Before you inquire, you should not place blame on anyone; and when you have inquired, reprove justly. ? 8Before you listen, you should not respond a word; and you should not interrupt in the middle of a discourse. ? 9You should not contend in a matter which does not concern you, and you should not sit in judgment together with sinners. ? 10Son, you should not be involved in many matters. And if you become rich, you will not be free from transgression. For if you pursue, you will not apprehend; and if you run ahead, you will not escape. ? 11There is an impious man who labors and hurries and grieves, but all the more will he be without abundance. ? 12There is a debilitated man in need of recovery, who is lacking in strength and abundant in poverty. ? 13Yet the eye of God has looked with favor upon him for his benefit, and he has lifted him up from his humiliation, and he has exalted his head. And many have wondered at him, and they have honored God. ? 14Good things and misfortune, life and death, poverty and wealth, are from God. ? 15Wisdom, and discipline, and knowledge of the law are with God. Love and the ways of good things are with him. ? 16Error and darkness have been created by sinners. And those who exult in evil, grow old in evil. ? 17The gift of God remains with the just man, and his advancement will have success unto eternity. ? 18There is one who is enriched by spending sparingly, and this is the extent of his reward. ? 19About this, he says: �I have found rest for myself, and now I alone will eat from my goods.� ? 20But he does not know how much time will pass before death approaches, and then he must leave everything behind to others and die. ? 21Stand fast in your covenant, and become familiar with it, and grow old in the work of your commandments. ? 22You should not spend time in the works of sinners. Instead, trust in God and remain in your own place. ? 23For it is easy, in the eyes of God, to make a pauper suddenly rich. ? 24The blessing of God hurries to reward the just man, and in a fleeting hour his advancement bears fruit. ? 25You should not say: �What do I need?� or, �What good will there be for me in this?� ? 26You should not say: �I have enough for myself,� or, �What could be worse than this?� ? 27In a day of good things, you should not be forgetful of misfortunes. And in a day of misfortunes, you should not be forgetful of good things. ? 28For it is easy, in the sight of God, on the day of one�s passing, to repay each one according to his ways. ? 29The affliction of an hour causes one to forget great delights, and in the end of a man is the uncovering of his works. ? 30You should not praise any man before death. For a man is known by his children. ? 31You should not bring every man into your house. For many are the snares of the deceitful. ? 32For as a stomach with a bad smell vomits, and as a partridge is led into a cage, and like a deer led into a snare, so also is the heart of the arrogant. And it is like a bystander watching his neighbor fall. ? 33For it lies in ambush, and then turns good into evil, and it will place the blame on the elect. ? 34From one spark, a great fire grows; and from one deceitful man, much blood flows. But a very sinful man lies in ambush for blood. ? 35Pay close attention to yourself before a harmful man, for he fabricates evils. Otherwise, he may lead over you a whispered reproach unceasingly. ? 36Receive a stranger to yourself, and he will overthrow you with a whirlwind, and he will alienate you from what is your very own. ?

Chapter 12

1If you do good, know to whom you do it, and there will be many thanks for your good deeds. ? 2Do good to the just, and you will find great recompense, and if not from him, certainly from the Lord. ? 3For there is no good for someone who is always occupied in evil, or who does not give alms. For the Most High holds hatred for sinners, but he takes pity on the repentant. ? 4Give to the merciful, and you should not assist the sinner. For the impious and the sinner will be repaid with the vengeance being held for them on the day of retribution. ? 5Give to the good, but you should not receive from a sinner. ? 6Do good to the humble, but you should not give to the impious; withhold your bread, do not give it to him, otherwise he may overpower you with it. ? 7For you will find twice the evil for all the good you will have done to him. For the Most High also holds hatred for sinners, and he will repay vengeance to the impious. ? 8A friend will not be known in good times, and an enemy will not be hidden in adversity. ? 9By the good fortune of a man, his enemies are grieved; and by his misfortune, a friend is revealed. ? 10You should never trust your enemy. For his wickedness rusts like a brass pot. ? 11And if he humbles himself and goes about bowed down, increase your alertness and guard yourself from him. ? 12You should not sit down anywhere near him, nor should you allow him to sit at your right hand, lest perhaps he may turn toward your place, and seek your seat, and then, in the very end, you would understand my words and be stung by my sermon. ? 13Who will take pity on an enchanter struck by a serpent, or on someone who draws near to wild beasts? And so it is with one who keeps company with an iniquitous man and is involved in his sins. ? 14For one hour, he will abide with you. But if you begin to turn aside, he will not permit it. ? 15An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips, but in his heart, he waits in ambush, so that he may throw you into a pit. ? 16An enemy has tears in his eyes. But if he finds an opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood. ? 17And if misfortunes happen upon you, you will find him there first. ? 18An enemy has tears in his eyes, but while pretending to help you, he will dig under your feet. ? 19He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his expression. ?

Chapter 13

1Whoever touches pitch will be contaminated by it. And whoever associates with the arrogant will be clothed by arrogance. ? 2Whoever associates with those more honorable than himself sets a burden on himself. And so, you should have no fellowship with someone who is wealthier than you. ? 3What will the cooking pot have in common with the earthen vessel? And when they collide with one another, one will be broken. ? 4The rich man has suffered no injustice, and yet he fumes. But the poor man, though he has been wounded, will remain silent. ? 5If you are generous, he will take you up; and when you have nothing, he will cast you aside. ? 6If you possess, he will feast with you, and he will empty you, and he will not grieve over you. ? 7If he has need of you, he will deceive you; and while smiling, he will give you hope. He will converse with you pleasantly, and he will say: �What is it that you need?� ? 8And he will impress you with his foods, until he has drained you two or three times, and in the very end, he will ridicule you. And afterward, when he sees you, he will abandon you, and he will shake his head at you. ? 9Humble yourself before God, and wait for his hands. ? 10Be careful. Otherwise, having been seduced into foolishness, you will be humiliated. ? 11Do not choose to be low in your wisdom, otherwise, having been brought low, you will be seduced into foolishness. ? 12If you are invited by someone who is more powerful than you, you should decline. Otherwise, he will invite you all the more. ? 13You cannot be rude to him, lest you be pushed away. And you cannot stray far from him, lest you be forgotten. ? 14You cannot hold a discussion with him as with an equal. You should not trust his many words. For by much talking, he will probe you, and while smiling, he will question you about your secrets. ? 15His cruel mind will store up your words; and he will not spare you from affliction, nor from prison. ? 16Be cautious of yourself, and attend diligently to what you are hearing. For you are walking toward your own destruction. ? 17Yet truly, while listening to these things, consider it as if it were a dream, and you will awaken. ? 18Love God for your entire life, and call upon him for your salvation. ? 19Every animal loves its own kind; so also every man loves those closest to himself. ? 20All flesh will join with whatever is similar to itself, and every man will associate with whomever is similar to himself. ? 21If a wolf would at any time have fellowship with a lamb, so also would a sinner have fellowship with the just. ? 22What fellowship does a holy man have with a dog? Or what portion do the wealthy have with the poor? ? 23In the desert, the wild donkey is the prey of the lion. So also are the poor the pasture of the rich. ? 24And just as humility is an abomination to the arrogant, so also does the rich man abhor the poor man. ? 25When a wealthy man has been shaken, he is strengthened by his friends. But when a lowly man has fallen, he is expelled even by those who know him well. ? 26When a rich man has been deceived, many will help him recover; he has spoken arrogantly, and yet they justify him. ? 27When a poor man has been deceived, in addition he is rebuked; he has spoken with understanding, and no place is given to him. ? 28The rich man has spoken, and all remain silent, and they repeat his words, even to the clouds. ? 29The poor man has spoken, and they say: �Who is this?� And if he stumbles, they will overthrow him. ? 30Substance is good for him who has no sin on his conscience. And poverty is called very wicked by the mouth of the impious. ? 31The heart of a man changes his face, either for better or for worse. ? 32You will find, with difficulty and much labor, the sign of a good heart and a good face. ?

Chapter 14

1Blessed is the man who has not slipped because of a word from his mouth, and who has not been stung by grief because of an offense. ? 2Happy is he who does not have sadness in his mind, and who has not fallen away from his hope. ? 3Substance is senseless for a greedy and stingy man. And what would a spiteful man do with gold? ? 4Whoever acquires unjustly, according to his own mind, gathers for others. For another will spend his goods lavishly. ? 5Whoever is wicked to himself, to whom will he be good? For he will not take enjoyment in his own goods. ? 6Whoever has ill will toward himself, nothing is more worthless than he is. But such is the reward of his wickedness. ? 7And if he does good, he does it ignorantly and unwillingly. And in the very end, he realizes his own malice. ? 8The eye of the spiteful man is wicked, and he averts his face and despises his own soul. ? 9The eye of the greedy man is insatiable in his portion of iniquity. He will not be satisfied until he has consumed his own soul, withering it away. ? 10An evil eye is directed at evil things. And he will not be satisfied by bread; instead, he will be needy and grieving at his own table. ? 11Son, if you have anything, do good to yourself, and offer worthy oblations to God. ? 12Remember that death has not been delayed, and that the covenant of the grave has been revealed to you. For the covenant of this world will pass away in death. ? 13Do good to your friend before you die. And according to your ability, extend your hand and give to the poor. ? 14Do not cheat yourself out of a good day, and do not let the smallest good gift pass you by. ? 15Should you not leave it to others to divide your sorrows and labors by lot? ? 16Give, and receive, and justify your soul. ? 17Before your passing, accomplish justice. For in death, there is no food to be found. ? 18All flesh grows old like the grass, and like the foliage that springs forth from a green tree. ? 19Some spring up, and others fall away. Such is the generation of flesh and blood. One is finished, and another is born. ? 20Every corruptible work will fail in the end. And its worker will go with it. ? 21But every excellent work will be justified. And whoever worked it will be honored by it. ? 22Blessed is the man who will abide in wisdom, and who will meditate on her righteousness, and who, in his mind, will consider the circumspection of God. ? 23He considers her ways in his heart, and he finds understanding in her secrets. He goes after her like an investigator, and he is constant in her ways. ? 24He gazes through her windows, and he listens at her door. ? 25He rests next to her house, and, fastening a peg in her walls, he sets up his cottage by her hands. And so, good things will find rest in his cottage as time passes. ? 26He will station his sons under her covering, and he will abide under her branches. ? 27He will be protected by her covering from the heat, and he will rest in her glory. ?

Chapter 15

1Whoever fears God will do good. And whoever holds to justice will obtain it. ? 2And like an honorable mother, she will meet him, and like a virgin bride, she will receive him. ? 3She will feed him with the bread of life and understanding. And she give him to drink from the water of salvific wisdom. And she will be confirmed in him, and he will not waver. ? 4And she will hold to him, and he will not be confounded. And she will exalt him, along with those closest to him. ? 5And in the midst of the Church, she will open his mouth, and she will fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and she will clothe him with a robe of glory. ? 6She will store up in him a treasure of rejoicing and exultation, and she will cause him to inherit an everlasting name. ? 7But foolish men will not take hold of her. And though understanding men will meet her, foolish men will not catch sight of her. For she is far from arrogance and deceit. ? 8Lying men will be wary of her. But men who speak the truth will be found with her, and they will have success, even when examined by God. ? 9Praise is not beautiful in the mouth of a sinner. ? 10For wisdom was sent from God. And praise will stand before the wisdom of God, and praise will abound in the mouths of the faithful, and the sovereign Lord will give praise to wisdom. ? 11You should not say: �It is because of God that wisdom is absent.� For you should not do what he detests. ? 12You should not say: �He has led me astray.� For the impious are of no use to him. ? 13The Lord hates all abominable error, and those who fear him will not love such things. ? 14God established man from the beginning, and he left him in the hand of his own counsel. ? 15He added his commandments and precepts. ? 16If you choose to keep the commandments, and if, having chosen them, you fulfill them with perpetual fidelity, they will preserve you. ? 17He has set water and fire before you. Extend your hand to whichever one you would choose. ? 18Before man is life and death, good and evil. Whichever one he chooses will be given to him. ? 19For the wisdom of God is manifold. And he is strong in power, seeing all things without ceasing. ? 20The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, and he knows each one of the works of man. ? 21He has commanded no one to act impiously, and he has given no one permission to sin. ? 22For he does not desire a multitude of unfaithful and useless sons. ?

Chapter 16

1You should not rejoice in impious children, if they are successful; nor should you take delight in them, if the fear of God is not in them. ? 2You should not approve of their life, nor should you look with favor on their labors. ? 3For one child who fears God is better than one thousand impious children. ? 4And it is better to die without children, than to leave behind impious children. ? 5By means one person with understanding, a country will be inhabited. The tribe of the impious will become desolate. ? 6Many such things my eyes have seen, and greater things than these my ear has heard. ? 7In the synagogue of sinners, a fire will blaze forth; and amid an unbelieving people, wrath will flare up. ? 8The giants of antiquity did not obtain pardon for their sins; they were destroyed by trusting in their own abilities. ? 9And he did not spare the place of Lot�s sojourn, and he abhorred them because of the arrogance of their words. ? 10He did not take pity on them, destroying an entire people, who even extolled themselves concerning their sins. ? 11And this was so with six hundred thousand men, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts. And if even a single obstinate person had escaped unpunished, it would be a wonder. ? 12For mercy and wrath are with him. He is powerful in forgiveness, and he pours forth wrath. ? 13As is his mercy, so also is his correction; he judges a man according to his works. ? 14The sinner, in his violations, will not escape; but the patience of the One who shows mercy will not be diminished. ? 15Every mercy will make a place for each man, according to the merit of his works, and according to the understanding of his sojourn. ? 16You should not say: �I am hidden from God,� or, �Who, from on high, will take note of me?� ? 17or, �Among a great number of people, I will not be noticed. For what is my soul amid such an immense creation?� ? 18Behold: the heavens, and the heaven of the heavens, the abyss, and the entire earth, and the things that are within these, will be shaken by his gaze, ? 19together with mountains and hills, and the foundations of the earth. When God casts his gaze upon them, they will be struck with trembling. ? 20And concerning all these things, the heart is without understanding; but every heart is understood by him. ? 21And who will understand his ways, or the tempest, which no eye of man will see? ? 22For many of his works are concealed. But who will announce the works of his justice? Or who will endure them? For the testament is far from some persons, and the examination of each thing is in its end. ? 23Whoever diminishes the heart, thinks empty thoughts. For the imprudent and erring man thinks up foolishness. ? 24Listen to me, son, and learn the discipline of understanding, and attend to my words in your heart. ? 25And I will speak with equity about discipline, and I will strive to announce wisdom. So attend to my words in your heart, and I will speak with equity of spirit, about the virtues that God has set within his works from the beginning, and I will announce his knowledge in truth. ? 26With the judgment of God, his works have been done from the beginning; and from their institution, he himself distinguished their parts and set their beginnings, in their kinds. ? 27He has beautified their works unto eternity. They have neither hungered, nor labored, and they have not ceased from their works. ? 28Neither will any one of them cause anguish to his neighbor, forever. ? 29You should not be incredulous at his word. ? 30Afterward, God looked with favor upon the earth, and he filled it with his goodness. ? 31The soul of every living thing brought word from before his face, and their return again is to him. ?

Chapter 17

1God created man from the earth, and he made him according to his own image. ? 2And he returned him again to it, and he clothed him with virtue according to himself. ? 3He gave him the number and time of his days, and he gave him authority over all the things that are upon the earth. ? 4He placed the fear of him over all flesh, and he had dominion over wild beasts and flying things. ? 5He created from him a helper, similar to himself. He gave them counsel, and language, and sight, and hearing, and a heart, in order to think. And he filled them with the discipline of understanding. ? 6He created within them the knowledge of the spirit. He filled their heart with understanding, and he showed them both good and evil. ? 7He set his eye upon their hearts, to reveal to them the greatness of his works, ? 8so that they might highly praise the name of sanctification, and give glory to his wonders, so that they might declare the greatness of his works. ? 9In addition, he gave them discipline and the law of life, as their inheritance. ? 10He established an eternal covenant with them, and he revealed to them his justice and judgments. ? 11And their eye saw the greatness of his honor, and their ears heard the honor of his voice, and he said to them: �Beware of all iniquity.� ? 12And he commanded each one concerning his neighbor. ? 13Their ways are always in his sight; they are not hidden from his eyes. ? 14Over each and every people, he has appointed a ruler. ? 15And Israel was made to be the manifest portion of God. ? 16And in the sight of God, all their works are like the sun. And his eyes, without ceasing, inspect their ways. ? 17The covenants are not hidden by their iniquity, and all their iniquities are in the sight of God. ? 18The almsgiving of a man is like a seal upon him, which will guard the grace of a man like the pupil of an eye. ? 19And afterward, it will rise up and repay them their reward, each one upon his head, and it will return to the hidden places of the earth. ? 20Now, to the repentant, he has given the way of justice, and he has strengthened those lacking in patience, and he has fastened them to a destiny of truth. ? 21Convert to the Lord, and relinquish your sins. ? 22Make supplication before the face of the Lord, and diminish your offenses. ? 23Return to the Lord, and turn away from your injustice, and have immense hatred for abomination. ? 24And acknowledge the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the circumstances set before you and in prayer to the most high God. ? 25Go to the side of the holy generation, to those who live in order to give praise to God. ? 26You should not linger in the error of the impious; confess before death. Confession perishes from the dead as if it were nothing. ? 27Confess while living; you should give thanks while you are still alive and healthy. And you should praise God and glory in his compassion. ? 28How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness, for those who convert to him! ? 29For not all things can be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, and because they are pleased by the emptiness of malice. ? 30What is brighter than the sun? Yet this will fail. Or what is more wicked than that which flesh and blood has invented? And this will be reproved. ? 31He beholds the power of the heights of heaven. And all men are earth and ashes. ?

Chapter 18

1The One who dwells in eternity created all things together. God alone will be justified, and he remains an invincible King for eternity. ? 2Who is able to declare his works? ? 3For who can examine his greatness? ? 4And who will announce the power of his magnitude? Or who would be able to describe his mercy? ? 5There is no diminishing, and no increasing, and there is no discovering, the greatness of God. ? 6When man has reached the end, then he will begin. And when he ceases, he will be in need. ? 7What is man, and what is his grace? And what is his good, or what is his evil? ? 8The number of the days of men are as many as one hundred years. Like a drop of water in the ocean, so they are considered to be. And like a grain of sand on the shore, so do these few years compare to the days of all time. ? 9For this reason, God is patient with them, and he pours forth his mercy upon them. ? 10He has seen that the presumption of their heart is evil, and he knows that their rebelliousness is wicked. ? 11Therefore, he has bestowed his forgiveness on them, and he has revealed to them the way of equity. ? 12The compassion of man is toward those closest to him. But the mercy of God is upon all flesh. ? 13He is merciful, and he teaches and corrects, like a shepherd with his flock. ? 14He takes pity on those who accept the doctrine of compassion, and he applies his judgments promptly. ? 15Son, in your good works, you should not complain, and in giving anything, you should not cause grief with evil words. ? 16Is heat not refreshed by the dew? So also is a good word better than a gift. ? 17Behold, is a word not greater than a gift? But both are with a justified man. ? 18The foolish place blame sharply. And a gift from the undisciplined causes the eyes to fail. ? 19Before you judge, put justice in order within yourself, and before you speak, learn. ? 20Before you become sick, obtain medicine. And before you judge, examine yourself. And then you will find forgiveness in the sight of God. ? 21Before you become weak, humble yourself; and in a time of infirmity, show your way of life. ? 22Let nothing impede you from praying always. And then you will not dread to be justified, even unto death. For the reward of God dwells in eternity. ? 23Before you pray, prepare your soul. And do not choose to be like a man who tempts God. ? 24Remember the wrath that will be on the day of consummation, and remember the time of retribution, when he will turn away his face. ? 25Remember poverty in a time of abundance, and remember the deficiency of poverty in a day of riches. ? 26From morning until evening, the time will be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God. ? 27A wise man will be cautious in all things, and during a time of many offenses, he will be attentive against inaction. ? 28Anyone who is astute recognizes wisdom, and he will acknowledge anyone who finds it. ? 29Those who show understanding with words also have acted wisely themselves, and they have understood truth and justice, and they have fulfilled proverbs and judgments. ? 30You should not go after your desires; instead, turn away from your own will. ? 31If you offer your desires to your soul, this will cause you to become a joy to your enemies. ? 32Take no delight in disorderly gatherings, whether large or small. For their commission of offenses is unceasing. ? 33You should not be reduced by the contention of borrowing, even if there is nothing in your purse. For you would be contending against your own life. ?

Chapter 19

1An inebriated worker will not be wealthy. And whoever despises littleness will fall a little at a time. ? 2Wine and women cause wise men to fall away, and then they will complain against those who understand. ? 3And whoever joins himself to fornicators will become wicked. Decay and worms will inherit him, and he will be denounced as the greater example, and his soul will be deducted from the number. ? 4Whoever is quick to believe has a trivial heart and will be diminished. And whoever offends against his own soul will have even less. ? 5Whoever rejoices in iniquity will be condemned. And whoever hates correction will have less in life. But whoever hates excessive talk extinguishes evil. ? 6Whoever sins against his own soul will be punished. And whoever rejoices in malice will be condemned. ? 7You should not repeat a wicked and harsh word, and then you will not be diminished. ? 8Do not reveal your mind to friend or foe. And if there is a sin within you, do not disclose it. ? 9For he will listen to you and watch you, and while pretending to defend your sin, he will despise you, and so he will be whenever he is with you. ? 10Have you heard a word against your neighbor? Let it die within you, trusting that it will not burst forth from you. ? 11Before the face of a word, a foolish man labors, like a woman groaning as she gives birth to a child. ? 12Like an arrow fixed in the flesh of the thigh, so is a word in the heart of a foolish man. ? 13Correct a friend, though perhaps there was a misunderstanding, and he may say, �I did not do it.� Or, if he did do it, correct him, so that he may not do it again. ? 14Correct your neighbor, for perhaps he did not say it. But if he did say it, correct him, so that he may not say it again. ? 15Correct your friend. For often a fault has been committed. ? 16And do not believe every word. There is one who slips with his word, but not with his heart. ? 17For who is there who has not offended with his words? Correct your neighbor before you reprimand him. ? 18And make a place for the fear of the Most High. For all wisdom is fear of God, and it is wise to fear God, and in all wisdom is the orderly disposition of the law. ? 19But the discipline of wickedness is not wisdom. And there is no prudence in the thoughts of sinners. ? 20There is a wickedness, and in it there is abomination. And there is a foolish man who has been diminished in wisdom. ? 21Better is a man who has been diminished in wisdom because his mind is failing, but with the fear of God, than he who abounds in intelligence, but with transgression against the law of the Most High. ? 22There is a certain cleverness, and it is unjust. ? 23And there is one who utters a careful word, explaining away the truth. There is one who humbles himself wickedly, for his interior is filled with deceit. ? 24And there is one who lowers himself excessively with a great debasement. And there is one who inclines his face downward, and pretends as if he did not see what has not been made known. ? 25And if he is prevented from sinning by a lack of ability, and then finds an opportunity for evildoing, he will do evil. ? 26A man is recognized by his appearances. But when you meet an understanding man, he is recognized by his face. ? 27The clothing of the body, and the laughter of the teeth, and the walk of a man, give a report about him. ? 28There is a lying correction in the anger of a contemptuous man. And there is a judgment which does not prove to be good. But there is one who is silent, and the same is prudent. ?

Chapter 20

1How much better is it to reprove, than to become angry, so as not to hinder him who may confess in prayer. ? 2The lust of an eunuch will deflower a young maiden; ? 3similar is he who by violence gives an iniquitous judgment. ? 4How good it is, when you are corrected, to show contrition! For in this way, you will escape deliberate sin. ? 5There is one who, by remaining silent, is found to be wise. And there is another who is hateful and who provokes by speaking out. ? 6There is one who, not having the understanding to speak, remains silent. And there is another who remains silent, knowing the proper time. ? 7A wise man will remain silent until the proper time. But an unrestrained and imprudent person will not heed the times. ? 8Whoever uses many words will wound his own soul. And whoever unjustly takes authority upon himself will be hated. ? 9There is advancement in evil for an undisciplined man, and there is a plan which turns to his detriment. ? 10There is a gift which is not helpful, and there is a gift, the repayment for which is double. ? 11There is a loss for the sake of boasting, and there is one who will lift up his head from lowliness. ? 12There is one who buys much for a small price, and who pays it back sevenfold. ? 13Anyone wise in words makes himself loved. But the graces of the foolish will be poured away. ? 14A gift from the unwise will not benefit you. For his gaze is divided, sevenfold. ? 15He will give little, and reproach much. And the opening of his mouth is like a burning flame. ? 16There is one who lends today and demands repayment tomorrow. A man such as this is hateful. ? 17A foolish man will not have a friend, and there will be no thanks for his good deeds. ? 18For those who eat his bread have a false tongue. How often and how many are those who will ridicule him! ? 19For what he possesses, he does not distribute with correct understanding. And he acts similarly with what he does not possess. ? 20The slip of a false tongue is like someone who falls upon pavement. Such a fall for the wicked will arrive quickly. ? 21A disagreeable man is like a pointless fable; it will be continually in the mouth of the undisciplined. ? 22A parable from the mouth of a fool will be rejected. For he does not speak it at the proper time. ? 23There is one who is prevented from sinning by poverty, and in his rest, he will be vexed. ? 24There is one who will lose his own soul because of pretense, and he will lose it by an example of imprudence. For by seeking the approval of another, he will destroy himself. ? 25There is one who, for the sake of what other�s think, makes a promise to a friend, and so he gains him as an enemy for no reason. ? 26A lie is a wicked disgrace to a man, and yet lies will be continually in the mouths of those without discipline. ? 27A thief is better than a man who constantly lies. But both of them will inherit perdition. ? 28The habits of lying men are without honor. And their shame is with them without ceasing. ? 29A wise man will benefit himself by his own words, and a prudent man will please the powerful. ? 30Whoever works his land will raise high a stockpile of grain. And whoever works justice will himself be raised high. Yet truly, whoever pleases the powerful will escape unfair treatment. ? 31Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and silence their mouths, turning them aside from their task of correction. ? 32Wisdom hidden, and treasure unseen: of what use is either of these? ? 33He who hides his foolishness is better than a man who conceals his wisdom. ?

Chapter 21

1Son, have you sinned? You should not add further sins. Then too, for your former sins, pray so that they may be forgiven you. ? 2Flee from sins, as if from the face of a serpent. For if you approach them, they will take hold of you. ? 3Their teeth are like the teeth of a lion, bringing death to the souls of men. ? 4All iniquity is like a two-edged spear; there is no healing in its wound. ? 5Reproach and injury will make resources useless. And a house that is exceedingly wealthy will become powerless through pride. In this way, the resources of the arrogant will be eradicated. ? 6Supplications from the mouth of the pauper will reach all the way to the ears of God, and judgment will come to him quickly. ? 7Whoever hates correction is walking in the steps of a sinner. But whoever fears God will convert within his heart. ? 8He who has power by means of a bold tongue will be known from far away. But an understanding man knows to slip past him. ? 9Whoever builds his house, paid for by another, is like one who gathers his building stones in winter. ? 10The synagogue of sinners is like stubble piled up; for the end of them both is a burning fire. ? 11The way of sinners is paved and level, and at their end is hell and darkness and punishments. ? 12Whoever observes justice will obtain an understanding of it. ? 13The consummation of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding. ? 14One who is not wise in goodness will not accept instruction. ? 15Now there is a wisdom which abounds in evil. But there is no understanding where there is bitterness. ? 16The knowledge of the wise will increase like a flood, and his counsel will continue like a fountain of life. ? 17The heart of the foolish is like a broken vessel, for it will not hold any wisdom. ? 18A knowledgeable man will praise any wise word he hears, and he will apply it to himself. The self-indulgent man has heard it, and it displeases him, and so he casts it behind his back. ? 19The talk of the foolish is like a burden on a journey. But in the lips of the understanding, grace will be found. ? 20The mouth of the prudent is sought in the Church, and they will consider his words in their hearts. ? 21Like a house which has been demolished, so is wisdom to the foolish. And the knowledge of the unwise is like meaningless words. ? 22Doctrine to the senseless is like fetters on the feet, and like chains on the right hand. ? 23A foolish man lifts up his voice in laughter. But a wise man will not even laugh quietly to himself. ? 24Doctrine is to the prudent like a gold ornament, and like an armband on the right arm. ? 25The feet of the foolish step easily into his neighbor�s house. But an experienced man will be apprehensive in the presence of the powerful. ? 26A senseless man will gaze through a window into the house. But a man who has been well-taught will stand outside. ? 27It is foolish for a man to listen through the door. And a prudent man will be grieved at this disgrace. ? 28The lips of the imprudent will describe senseless things. But the words of the prudent will be weighed on a balance. ? 29The hearts of the foolish are in their mouths. But the mouths of the wise are with their hearts. ? 30Whenever the impious curse the devil, they curse their own soul. ? 31Those who whisper accusations defile their own souls, and they will be hated by all. And whoever abides with them will be hateful. The silent and understanding man will be honored. ?

Chapter 22

1The lazy man is pelted with a dirty stone, and all will speak about his rejection. ? 2The lazy man is pelted with the dung of oxen, and all who touch him will brush off their hands. ? 3An undisciplined son is the shame of his father, but an undisciplined daughter will be to his degradation. ? 4A prudent daughter brings an inheritance to her husband. But she who causes shame will be a disgrace to him who conceived her. ? 5She who is bold shames her father and her husband, and she will not be less offensive to the impious. For she will be held in dishonor by both. ? 6An untimely explanation is like music in a time of mourning. But the sharp correction and doctrine of wisdom are ever timely. ? 7Whoever teaches the foolish is like someone who glues together a broken pot. ? 8Whoever explains a word to one who is not listening is like someone who suddenly awakens a sleeping person from a deep sleep. ? 9Whoever explains wisdom to the senseless is like one speaking to a sleeping person. And at the end of the explanation, he says: �Who is this?� ? 10Weep over the dead, for his light has failed. And weep over the foolish, for his understanding has failed. ? 11Weep only a little over the dead, for he is at rest. ? 12But the wicked life of a wicked fool is worse than death. ? 13The mourning for the dead is seven days; but for the foolish and the impious, it is all the days of their life. ? 14You should not talk at length with the foolish, and you should not go with the senseless. ? 15Keep yourself from him, so that you may not have problems, and so that you will not be polluted by his sin. ? 16Turn away from him, and you will find rest, and you will not be discouraged by his foolishness. ? 17What is heavier than lead? And what else can he be called but foolish? ? 18Sand, and salt, and an iron weight are each easier to bear than an imprudent man, who is both foolish and impious. ? 19A bundle of wood strapped together in the foundation of a building will not be loosened. And similar is the heart that has been strengthened by thoughtful counsel. ? 20The thoughts of one who is understanding will not be corrupted by fear in any situation. ? 21Just as chaff in a high place, or a wall made of mortar without stones set within, will not continue against the face of the wind, ? 22so also a timid heart, and the thoughts of the senseless, will not withstand the forcefulness of fear. ? 23Despite a cowardly heart, the thoughts of the foolish will not fear any situation; yet neither will one who continues always in the precepts of God. ? 24He who jabs an eye produces tears. And he who jabs the heart produces understanding. ? 25He who throws a stone at birds will drive them away. So also, he who accuses his friend dissolves the friendship. ? 26But if you have drawn a sword against a friend, you should not despair; for there may be a way back. ? 27If you have opened a harsh mouth against a friend, you should not fear; for there may be a reconciliation. However, if there are accusations, or abuse, or arrogance, or the revealing of secrets, or a wound from deceitfulness, in all these cases, a friend will flee away. ? 28Hold to faithfulness with a friend in his poverty, so that you may also rejoice in his prosperity. ? 29In the time of his tribulation, remain faithful to him, so that you may also be an heir with him in his inheritance. ? 30Just as the steam from an oven, or the smoke from a fire, rises up before a flame, so also do curses and insults and threats rise up before bloodshed. ? 31I shall not be ashamed to greet a friend, nor shall I hide myself from his face. And if misfortunes befall me because of him, I will endure. ? 32Anyone who hears of this will be wary around him. ? 33Who will provide a keeper for my mouth, and a reliable seal over my lips, so that I may not fall because of them, and so that my tongue does not destroy me? ?

Chapter 23

1Lord, Father and Ruler of my life: may you not abandon me to their counsel, nor permit me to fall by them. ? 2They would impose scourges over my thoughts and over the discipline of wisdom in my heart. And they would not spare me from their ignorances, nor would they allow their own offenses to become apparent. ? 3And they intend that my ignorances would increase, and my offenses be multiplied, and my sins abound. And so I would fall in the sight of my adversaries, and be rejoiced over by my enemy. ? 4Lord, Father and God of my life: may you not abandon me to their plans. ? 5Do not leave me with the haughtiness of my eyes. And avert all desire from me. ? 6Take the desire of the body from me, and do not allow sexual desire to take hold of me, and do not permit an irreverent and senseless mind within me. ? 7O sons: listen to the doctrine of my mouth. For those who observe it will not perish by the lips, nor be scandalized into wicked works. ? 8A sinner is held by his own emptiness. And the arrogant and those who speak evil will be scandalized by these things. ? 9Do not allow your mouth to become accustomed to swearing oaths. For in this, there are many pitfalls. ? 10Truly, do not allow the naming of God to be continually in your mouth, and do not treat as if common the names of the holy ones. For you will not escape punishment by them. ? 11Just as a servant, continually interrogated, will not be without a bruise, so everyone who swears oaths and takes God�s name will not be entirely free from sin. ? 12A man who swears many oaths will be filled with iniquity, and scourges will not depart from his house. ? 13And if he fails to fulfill it, his offense will be over him, and if he pretends he fulfilled it, he offends doubly. ? 14And if he swears an oath insincerely, he will not be justified. For his house will be filled with retribution for him. ? 15There is yet another kind of talk which faces death; let it not be found in the inheritance of Jacob. ? 16For all these things will be taken away from the merciful, and they shall not wallow in offenses. ? 17Do not allow your mouth to become accustomed to undisciplined speech. For in this, there is the sin of words. ? 18When you sit in the midst of great men, remember your father and mother. ? 19Otherwise, God may forget you, when you are in their sight, and then you would be repeatedly ridiculed and would suffer disgrace, and you might wish that you had never been born, and you might curse the day of your nativity. ? 20The man who is accustomed to disgraceful words will not accept instruction, all the days of his life. ? 21Two kinds of persons abound in sins, and a third adds wrath and perdition. ? 22A desirous soul is like a burning fire, it will not be quenched, until it devours something. ? 23And a man who is wicked in the desires of his flesh will not desist until he has kindled a fire. ? 24To a man of fornication, all bread is sweet; he will not tire of transgression, to the very end. ? 25Every man who transgresses his own bed has contempt for his own soul. And so he says: �Who can see me? ? 26Darkness surrounds me, and the walls enclose me, and no one catches sight of me. Whom should I fear? The Most High will not remember my offenses.� ? 27And he does not understand that God�s eye sees all things. For fear within a man such as this drives away from him both the fear of God and the eyes of those men who fear God. ? 28And he does not acknowledge that the eyes of the Lord are much brighter than the sun, keeping watch over all the ways of men, even to the depths of the abyss, and gazing into the hearts of men, even to the most hidden parts. ? 29For all things, before they were created, were known to the Lord God. And even after their completion, he beholds all things. ? 30This man will be punished in the streets of the city, and he will be chased like a young horse. And in a place that he does not suspect, he will be captured. ? 31And because he did not understand the fear of the Lord, he will be in disgrace before all men, ? 32as will be every woman, too, who abandons her husband and establishes an inheritance by marriage to another man. ? 33For first, she was unbelieving of the law of the Most High. Second, she offended against her husband. Third, she fornicated by adultery, and so established her children by another man. ? 34This woman will be led into the assembly, and she will be stared at by her children. ? 35Her children will not take root, and her branches will not produce fruit. ? 36She will leave behind her memory as a curse, and her infamy will not be wiped away. ? 37And those who are left behind will acknowledge that there is nothing better than the fear of God, and that there is nothing sweeter than to have respect for the commandments of the Lord. ? 38It is a great glory to follow the Lord. For length of days will be received from him. ?

Chapter 24

1Wisdom will praise her own mind, and she will be honored by God, and she will be glorified in the midst of her people. ? 2And she will open her mouth in the churches of the Most High, and she will be glorified in the sight of his virtue. ? 3And in the midst of her own people, she will be exalted. And she will be admired by the holy assembly. ? 4And she will have praise within the multitude of the elect. And she will be blessed among the blessed. And she will say: ? 5�I went forth from the mouth of the Most High, as the first-born before all creatures. ? 6I caused an unfailing light to arise in the heavens. And I covered all the earth like a cloud. ? 7I lived in the highest places, and my throne is in the pillar of a cloud. ? 8I alone have encompassed the circuit of heaven, and have penetrated to the depths of the abyss, and have walked upon the waves of the sea, ? 9and have stood upon the whole earth. And among every people, ? 10and in every nation, I have held primacy. ? 11And by virtue, I have tread upon the hearts of all, the great and the lowly. And I have sought my rest in all of them. And I will continue, as the inheritance of the Lord. ? 12Then the Creator of all things instructed and spoke with me. And the One who created me rested in my tabernacle. ? 13And he said to me: �Let your dwelling place be with Jacob, and let your inheritance be in Israel, for you shall take root among my elect.� ? 14From the beginning, and before the world, I was created. And even unto the future world, I will not cease to exist. For I have ministered before him in the holy habitation. ? 15And in this way, I was established in Zion. And likewise, in the holy city, I found rest. And my authority was in Jerusalem. ? 16And I took root among an honorable people, within the portion of my God, within his inheritance. And so my abode is in the full assembly of the saints. ? 17I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon and like a cypress on Mount Zion. ? 18I was exalted like a palm tree in Kadesh and like a rose bush in Jericho. ? 19I was exalted like a beautiful olive tree in the plains, and like a sycamore tree beside the waters along a wide road. ? 20I gave off an aromatic fragrance like cinnamon or balsam. I produced a sweet odor like the best myrrh. ? 21And I perfumed my dwelling place with sweet gum, and aromatic resin, and flower petals, and aloe, as well as the finest cedar from Lebanon. And my fragrance is like undiluted balsam. ? 22I have extended my branches like a terebinth tree, and my branches are of honor and grace. ? 23Like the vine, I have born the fruit of a sweet fragrance. And my flowers are the fruit of honor and integrity. ? 24I am the mother of the beauty of love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. ? 25All grace of the way and of the truth is in me. All hope of life and of virtue is in me. ? 26Journey toward me, all you who desire me, and be filled by my harvest. ? 27For my spirit is sweeter than honey, and my inheritance is better than honey and the honeycomb. ? 28My memory is for the generations of all ages. ? 29Whoever consumes me will hunger still. And whoever drinks me will thirst still. ? 30Whoever listens to me will not be confounded. And whoever acts in me will not sin. ? 31Whoever elucidates me will have eternal life.� ? 32All this is a book of life, and a covenant of the Most High, and an acknowledgement of truth. ? 33Moses commanded the law by the precepts of justice, and an inheritance to the house of Jacob, and the promises to Israel. ? 34God appointed David as his servant, in order to raise up from him a most mighty King, who would sit upon the throne of honor forever. ? 35It is he who fulfills wisdom, like the Phison river and the Tigris river in the first days. ? 36It is he who fulfills understanding, like the river Euphrates. It is he who multiplies understanding, like the river Jordan in the time of the harvest. ? 37He sends forth discipline like the light, and he stands forth like the river Gehon in the time of the vintage. ? 38He first had perfect knowledge of her, for a weaker one would not search for her. ? 39For her thoughts abound like the sea, and her counsels abound like the great abyss. ? 40�I, wisdom, have poured forth rivers. ? 41I am like a brook leading to a river of immense waters. I am like a channel flowing from a river. And I went forth from Paradise like an aqueduct. ? 42I said: I will irrigate my garden of plantings, and I will thoroughly water the fruits of my field. ? 43And behold, my brook became overflowing, and my river drew near to the sea. ? 44For I illuminate doctrine to all, like the first light. And I will announce doctrine, even to those who are far away. ? 45I will reach to all the lower parts of the earth, and I will gaze upon all who sleep, and I will illuminate all who hope in the Lord. ? 46Even now, I pour forth doctrine like prophecy. And even now, I bequeath doctrine to those who seek wisdom. And I will not cease from their progeny, even unto the holy time. ? 47See how I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who are seeking truth!� ?

Chapter 25

1My spirit is pleased with three things; these are approved in the sight of God and men: ? 2the harmony of brothers, and the love of neighbors, and a husband and wife agreeing well together. ? 3My soul hates three kinds of things; and I am greatly distressed over their souls: ? 4an arrogant pauper, a wealthy liar, a foolish and senseless elder. ? 5The things that you have not obtained in your youth, how will you find them in your old age? ? 6How beautiful it is for a grey head to have judgment, and for elders to know counsel! ? 7How beautiful it is for those who are aged to have wisdom, and for those who are honored to have understanding and counsel! ? 8Great experience is the crown of the aged, and the fear of God is their glory. ? 9I have magnified nine things, overlooked by the heart; and a tenth, I will declare to men with my tongue: ? 10a man who finds joy in his children, and one who lives to see the undoing of his enemies. ? 11Blessed is he who lives with a wise wife, and he who has not slipped with his tongue, and he who has not served those unworthy of himself. ? 12Blessed is he who finds a true friend, and he who describes justice to an attentive ear. ? 13How great is he who finds wisdom and knowledge! But there is no one above him who fears the Lord. ? 14The fear of God has set itself above all things. ? 15Blessed is the man to whom it has been given to have the fear of God. He who holds to it, to whom can he be compared? ? 16The fear of God is the beginning of his love; and the beginning of faith has been joined closely to the same. ? 17The sadness of the heart is every wound. And the wickedness of a wife is every malice. ? 18And a man will choose any wound, but the wound of the heart, ? 19and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a wife, ? 20and any obstacle, but the obstacle of those who hate him, ? 21and any vindication, but the vindication of his enemies. ? 22There is no head worse than the head of a serpent, ? 23and there is no anger above the anger of a wife. It would be more agreeable to abide with a lion or a dragon, than to live with a wicked wife. ? 24A wicked wife changes her face. And she darkens her countenance like a bear. And she displays it like sackcloth. In the midst of her neighbors, ? 25her husband groans, and hearing of this, he sighs a little. ? 26All malice is brief compared to the malice of a wife. Let the fate of sinners fall upon her! ? 27As climbing over sand is to the feet of the aged, so is a talkative wife to a quiet man. ? 28You should not favor a woman�s beauty, and you should not desire a wife for her beauty. ? 29The anger and disrespect and shame from a wife can be great. ? 30The wife, if she has primacy, is set against her husband. ? 31A wicked wife debases the heart, and saddens the face, and wounds the heart. ? 32A wife who does not make her husband happy enfeebles the hands and weakens the knees. ? 33The beginning of sin came from a woman; and through her, we all die. ? 34You should not provide an exit to your water, not even a little; nor should you give permission for a wicked wife to exceed the limit. ? 35If she will not walk at your hand, she will confound you in the sight of your enemies. ? 36Tear her away from your body, lest she abuse you continually. ?

Chapter 26

1Blessed is the husband of a good wife. For the number of his years is doubled. ? 2A good wife delights her husband, and she will fill up the years of his life with peace. ? 3A good wife is a good portion. She will be given the portion of those who fear God, like a man who has done good deeds. ? 4But, rich or poor, with a good heart, his countenance will be cheerful at all times. ? 5Of three things, my heart has been afraid, and at a fourth, my face has shown dread: ? 6an accusation made by a city, and the gathering of a mob, ? 7and a deceitful false accusation. All these are more grievous than death. ? 8A jealous wife is a grief and a mourning to the heart. ? 9In a jealous wife, there is a scourge of the tongue, which communicates with everyone. ? 10Like a yoke of oxen being provoked, so also is a wicked wife. He who has hold of her is like one who has taken hold of a scorpion. ? 11An inebriated wife is a great wrath. And her disgrace and indecency will not be covered. ? 12The fornication of a wife will become known by the haughtiness of her eyes and by her eyelids. ? 13So that her daughter will not also turn away, keep a strict watch; otherwise, having found an opportunity, she may enjoy herself. ? 14Be wary of the irreverence of her eyes, and you should not wonder if she might disregard you. ? 15Like a thirsty traveler, she will open her mouth to the fountain, and she will drink from every water nearby, and she will sit down beside every fencepost, and she will open her quiver to every arrow, until she becomes weary. ? 16The grace of an attentive wife will delight her husband, and will fatten his bones. ? 17Her discipline is a gift from God. ? 18Such is an understanding and quiet wife. For there is no substitution for a well-instructed soul. ? 19A holy and contrite wife is grace upon grace. ? 20And no amount of money is equal to the value of a soul with self-restraint. ? 21Like the sun rising over the world in the high places of God, so the beauty of a good wife is the adornment of her house. ? 22Like a lamp shining atop a holy lampstand, so is the beauty of a face in the mature stage of life. ? 23Like golden pillars upon bases of silver, so are the firm feet of a mature wife upon the soles of her feet. ? 24Like everlasting foundations upon a solid rock, so are the commandments of God in the heart of a holy wife. ? 25By two things, my heart is greatly saddened, and at a third, anger overwhelms me: ? 26a man of war failing because of dire need, and an understanding man treated with contempt, ? 27and anyone who crosses over from justice to sin. God has prepared such a one for the spear. ? 28Two kinds of things have seemed difficult and dangerous to me: a merchant will not be easily freed from his negligence, and a shopkeeper will not be justified by the sins of his lips. ?

Chapter 27

1Because of need, many have sinned. And whoever seeks to be enriched, averts his eye. ? 2Like a post fixed in the middle of adjoining stones, so also will sin become wedged between selling and buying. ? 3Sin will be crushed with the one who sins. ? 4If you do not hold yourself steadfastly to the fear of the Lord, your house will be quickly overthrown. ? 5Just as the dust remains when one shakes a sieve, so will the doubt of a man remain in his thoughts. ? 6The furnace tests the potter�s vessels, and the trial of the tribulation tests just men. ? 7As the pruning of a tree reveals its fruit, so does a word reveal the thoughts in the heart of a man. ? 8You should not praise a man before he speaks; for such is the testing of men. ? 9If you pursue justice, you will obtain it. And you will be clothed with justice, as with a long robe of honor. And you will live with justice. And justice will protect you continually. And on the day of reckoning, you will find a strong foundation. ? 10Birds flock to their own kind. And truth will return to those who practice it. ? 11The lion lies in wait for its prey continually. So also do sins lie in wait for those who work iniquity. ? 12A holy man persists in wisdom like the sun. But a senseless man changes like the moon. ? 13In the midst of the senseless, retain a word for the proper time. But be continually in the midst those who are thoughtful. ? 14The discussions of sinners are hateful, and their laughter is a delight in sin. ? 15The speech that swears many oaths will cause the hair of the head to stand upright; and its irreverence will cause the ears to be blocked. ? 16The shedding of blood is in the quarrels of the arrogant; and their evil talk is grievous to hear. ? 17Whoever discloses the secret of a friend breaks faith; and he will not find a friend for his soul. ? 18Love your neighbor, and be united with him faithfully. ? 19But if you disclose his secrets, you should not continue to follow after him. ? 20For like a man who destroys his friend, so also is he who destroys the friendship of his neighbor. ? 21And like someone releasing a bird from his hand, so have you abandoned your neighbor, and you will not obtain him again. ? 22You should no longer seek him, for he is now far away; he has fled like a roe-deer from a snare. For his soul has been wounded. ? 23You will no longer be able to bind his wound. For there may be a reconciliation from cursing. ? 24But to disclose the secrets of a friend is the hopeless act of an unhappy soul. ? 25One who winks with the eye fabricates iniquity, and no one will cast him aside. ? 26In the sight of your eyes, he will sweeten his mouth, and he will admire your talk. But at the very end, he will pervert his mouth, and he will offer a scandal from your own words. ? 27I have hated many things, but I have not done as he has done, and the Lord will hate him. ? 28Whoever throws a stone straight up will find that it falls on his own head. And a deceitful wound will return to wound the deceitful. ? 29And whoever digs a pit will fall into it. And whoever positions a stone against his neighbor will stumble over it. And whoever lays a trap for another will perish by it. ? 30Whoever sets in motion a wicked plan will find that it rolls back over him, and he will not know from which direction it will arrive. ? 31Mockery and derision are of the arrogant, and vengeance will lie in wait for them, like a lion. ? 32Whoever enjoys the fall of the just will perish in a snare, and grief will consume them before they die. ? 33Anger and fury are both abominable, and the sinful man will be held by them. ?

Chapter 28

1Whoever wishes for vengeance will find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely be attentive to his sins. ? 2Forgive your neighbor, if he has harmed you, and then your sins will be forgiven you when you pray. ? 3A man holds on to anger against another man, and does he then seek a remedy from God? ? 4He has no mercy on a man like himself, and does he then entreat for his own sins? ? 5He who is but flesh holds on to anger, and does he then request forgiveness from God? Who can obtain pardon for his sins in this way? ? 6Remember your very end, and let animosities cease. ? 7For corruption and death are suspended over his commandments. ? 8Remember the fear of God, and do not be angry with your neighbor. ? 9Remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the ignorant offenses of your neighbor. ? 10Refrain from strife, and you will diminish your sins. ? 11For a ill-tempered man enflames conflict, and a sinful man troubles his friends, and he casts hostility into the midst of those who have peace. ? 12For the fire burns according to the wood of the forest. And the anger of a man burns according to the strength of the man. And according to his resources, he will exalt his anger. ? 13A hasty contention kindles a fire. And a hasty quarrel sheds blood. And an accusatory tongue brings death. ? 14If you blow on a spark, it will increase to a fire. But if you spit on it, it will be extinguished. Both of these proceed from the mouth. ? 15The double-tongued whisperer is accursed. For he has disturbed many who had peace. ? 16A third tongue has stirred up many, and has scattered them from nation to nation. ? 17It has destroyed the walled cities of the wealthy, and has undermined the houses of the great. ? 18It has cut down the virtues of the peoples, and has broken strong nations. ? 19A third tongue has cast down virtuous women, and has deprived them of their labors. ? 20Whoever favors it will not have rest, nor will he have a friend in whom he may find peace. ? 21The wound of a whip causes a bruise, but the wound of the tongue will crush the bones. ? 22Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue. ? 23Blessed is he who is protected from a wicked tongue, who has not gone over to its wrath, and has not pulled its yoke, and has not been bound by its chains. ? 24For its yoke is a yoke of iron. And its chains are chains of brass. ? 25Its death is a most wicked death. And hell is more useful than it is. ? 26Its continuance will not be permanent, but it will take hold of the ways of the unjust. And the just will not be burned by its flame. ? 27Those who abandon God will fall by it, and it will burn within them and not be quenched. And it will be sent upon them, like a lion, and it will wound them, like a leopard. ? 28Hedge your ears with thorns. Do not be willing to listen to a wicked tongue. And make doors and bars for your mouth. ? 29Melt down your gold and your silver. And make a scale for your words, and an upright bridle for your mouth. ? 30And be attentive, lest perhaps you may slip with your tongue, and fall in the sight of your enemies, who are lying in wait for you, and then your fall may be incurable unto death. ?

Chapter 29

1He shows mercy who lends to his neighbor, for he keeps the commandments by strengthening him. ? 2Lend to your neighbor in his time of need, and receive it again from your neighbor in his time. ? 3Keep your word, and act faithfully with him, and then you will find whatever you need in every time. ? 4Many have treated a loan like found money, and they offered trouble to those who helped them. ? 5Until they receive, they kiss the hands of the giver, and they humble their voice in promises. ? 6But at the time of repayment, they will ask for more time, and they will speak annoying and complaining words, and they will make excuses for the time. ? 7Then, if he is able to repay, he will turn away. He will pay barely one half, and he will consider it as if he had found it. ? 8But if not, then he will defraud him of his money, and he will have him as an enemy without cause. ? 9And he will repay him with accusations and curses, and he will repay him with contempt, instead of with honor and kindness. ? 10Many have refused to lend, not because of wickedness, but because they were afraid to be defrauded without cause. ? 11Yet truly, be more steadfast toward the humble, and you should not delay in acts of mercy toward them. ? 12Assist the poor because of the commandment. And you should not send him away empty because of his dire need. ? 13Lose your money to your brother and your friend. For you should not hide it under a stone to be lost. ? 14Let your treasure be in the precepts of the Most High, and it will benefit you more than gold. ? 15Store your alms in the hearts of the poor, and it will obtain help for you against all evil. ? 16Better than the shield or the lance of a powerful man, ? 17it will fight for you against your enemy. ? 18A good man offers credit for the sake of his neighbor. But one who abandons him to himself will perish in shame. ? 19You should not forget the kindness of your benefactor. For he has offered his life on your behalf. ? 20The sinner and the unclean flee from such promises. ? 21A sinner attributes to himself the goods of his loan. And an ungrateful mind will abandon the one who has freed him. ? 22A man offers credit to his neighbor. But when he will have lost respect, he will abandon him. ? 23A wicked promise has destroyed many who had good intentions, and has tossed them like a wave on the ocean. ? 24It has caused powerful men to travel around, and they have wandered amid foreign nations. ? 25A sinner transgressing the commandment of the Lord will fall into a wicked promise. And he who undertakes many things will fall into judgment. ? 26Help your neighbor to recover according to your ability, but attend to yourself, lest you also fall. ? 27The primary need in a man�s life is water and bread, and clothing, and a house to protect modesty. ? 28A pauper�s food under a roof of boards is better than a splendid feast on a sojourn away from home. ? 29Let yourself be pleased with little instead of much, and you will not hear the reproach of being away from home. ? 30It is a wicked life to go from house to house as a guest. For wherever he is a guest, he will not act confidently, nor open his mouth. ? 31He will entertain, and feed, and give drink to the ungrateful, and beyond this, he will listen to bitter words: ? 32�Go, my guest, and set the table, and let others eat from what you have in your hand.� ? 33�Depart from the honored face of my friends. For it has become necessary for my house to host my brother instead.� ? 34These things are grievous to a man having understanding: to take advantage of a household, and to reproach a lender. ?

Chapter 30

1He who loves his son will frequently chastise him, so that he may be happy in the very end, and not grope for the doors of his neighbors. ? 2He who instructs his son will be praised over him and will glory in him, in the midst of his household. ? 3He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends, he will glory in him. ? 4When his father has died, it will be as if he were not dead. For he will have left behind someone who is like himself. ? 5In his life, he saw him and rejoiced in him. And at his passing, he was not sorrowful, nor was he confounded in the sight of his enemies. ? 6For he left behind himself a defender of his house against his enemies, and someone who will repay his friends with kindness. ? 7For the sake of the souls of his sons, he will bind up his wounds, and at every voice, his gut will be stirred up. ? 8An untamed horse becomes stubborn, and a child left to himself becomes headstrong. ? 9Coddle a son, and he will make you afraid. Play with him, and he will make you sorrowful. ? 10You should not laugh with him; otherwise you may have grief, and in the end, your teeth be clenched. ? 11You should not give him power in his youth, but you should not despise his thoughts. ? 12Bow down his neck in his youth, and slap his sides while he is a child, lest perhaps he may become stubborn, and then he will not trust you, and so he will bring sorrow to your soul. ? 13Instruct your son, and work with him, lest you give offense by his shameful behavior. ? 14Better is a healthy pauper with a strong constitution, than a wealthy man who is weak and afflicted by maladies. ? 15A healthy soul with the sanctity of justice is better than all the gold and silver. And a sound body is better than immense revenues. ? 16There is no revenue above the revenue of a healthy body. And there is no delight above a joyful heart. ? 17Death is better than a bitter life. And eternal rest is better than continual sickness. ? 18Good things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a grave. ? 19What benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smell. ? 20So is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquity. ? 21He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs. ? 22You should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counsel. ? 23The gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of life. ? 24Take pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourself. ? 25For sadness has killed many, and there is no usefulness in it. ? 26Envy and anger will diminish your days, and pensiveness will bring old age before its time. ? 27A cheerful and good heart is like a feast. And its feasts are formed by diligence. ?

Chapter 31

1Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep. ? 2Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober. ? 3The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods. ? 4The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need. ? 5Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it. ? 6Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty. ? 7Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it. ? 8Blessed is the rich man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasures. ? 9Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life. ? 10He has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evil. ? 11Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving. ? 12Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first. ? 13You should not speak in this way: �There are many things that are upon it.� ? 14Remember that a wicked eye is evil. ? 15What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face. ? 16You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed. ? 17You should not press forward at a feast. ? 18Understand which things are your neighbor�s and not your own. ? 19Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated. ? 20Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend. ? 21And if you sit in the midst of many, you should not extend your hand before they do, and you should not be the first to ask for a drink. ? 22How sufficient is a little wine for a well-taught man! For in sleep, you will not labor because of it, and you will not feel pain. ? 23Worry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate man. ? 24A healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with him. ? 25And if you have been coaxed into eating too much, rise up, go outside, and vomit. And it will refresh you, and you will not bring sickness upon your body. ? 26Listen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my words. ? 27In all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall you. ? 28The lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithful. ? 29The city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is true. ? 30Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many. ? 31Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant. ? 32Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober. ? 33What is life to him who is diminished by wine? ? 34What can cheat him of his life? Death. ? 35From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation. ? 36Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart. ? 37Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body. ? 38Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin. ? 39Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul. ? 40The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds. ? 41You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness. ? 42You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests. ?

Chapter 32

1Have they appointed you as a leader? Do not be willing to be extolled. Be among them as one of them. ? 2Have concern for them, and in this way sit down with them, and when you have explained all your concerns, sit back. ? 3Then you may rejoice because of them, and you may receive a crown as an adornment of grace, and so obtain the dignity of the assembly. ? 4Speak, you who are greater by birth. For it is fitting for you ? 5to speak the first word with careful knowledge. But you should not hinder the music. ? 6Where no one is listening, you should not pour out words. And do not choose to be extolled improperly for your wisdom. ? 7A gemstone of garnet is set amid an ornament of gold, and a concert of music is set amid a banquet of wine. ? 8Just as a signet of emerald is set amid a work of gold, so is a melody of music set amid delightful and moderate wine. ? 9Listen silently, and for your reverence, good graces will be added to you. ? 10Young man, speak in your own case only reluctantly. ? 11If you have been asked twice, let your response be concise. ? 12In many matters, be as if you lack knowledge, and listen silently as well as intently. ? 13In the midst of great men, you should not be presumptuous. And where the elders are present, you should not speak much. ? 14Lightning goes before a hailstorm, and grace goes before modesty. And so, for your reverence, good graces will be added to you. ? 15And at the hour for rising, you should not be lax. Later, be the first to run ahead to your house, and there withdraw, and there take your pastime. ? 16And act according to your intentions, but not in sin and not in arrogant speech. ? 17And for all these things, bless the Lord, who made you, and who fills you to overflowing with all his good things. ? 18Whoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessing. ? 19Whoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treachery. ? 20Those who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a light. ? 21A sinful man will shun correction, and he will find a rationalization in accord with his own will. ? 22A man of counsel will not reject understanding. A strange and arrogant man will not be disturbed by fear. ? 23Even so, after he has acted out of fear and without counsel, he will be rebuked by his own criticism. ? 24Son, you should do nothing without counsel, and then you will not regret what you have done. ? 25You should not go into the way of ruin, and you then will not stumble on stones. You should not commit yourself to a laborious way; otherwise, you may set up a scandal against your own soul. ? 26And be cautious concerning your own sons. And be attentive to those of your own household. ? 27In all of your works, trust your soul to faith. For this is the keeping of the commandments. ? 28Whoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished. ?

Chapter 33

1No evils will befall one who fears the Lord. Instead, God will preserve him during temptation and will free him from evils. ? 2A wise man does not hate the commandments and the justices, and so he will not be thrown about violently, like a ship in a storm. ? 3A man of understanding puts his faith in the law of God, and so the law is faithful to him. ? 4Whoever would resolve a dispute will prepare a word, and so, having prayed, he will be heard. And he will observe discipline, and then he will respond. ? 5The heart of a fool is like the wheel of a cart. And his thoughts are like a turning axel. ? 6A friend who is a whisperer is like an untamed horse: he neighs under anyone who sits upon him. ? 7Why does day follow after day, and light follow after light, and year follow after year, in accord with the sun? ? 8By the knowledge of the Lord, they were arranged, after the sun was made, in keeping with his command. ? 9And so, the seasons changed, with their feast days. And according to them, they celebrated the feast days, in their hour. ? 10Some of them, God exalted and magnified. And some of them, he set amid the ordinary days. And all men are from the ground, and from the earth, from which Adam was created. ? 11With a mulititude of disciplines, the Lord has distinguished them and diversified their ways. ? 12Some of them, he has blessed and exalted. And some of them he has sanctified and placed close to himself. And some of them, he has cursed and brought low, and he has turned them from their station. ? 13Just as the clay is in the potter�s hand, so as to form and to shape it, ? 14so are all his ways in accord with his dispensation, and so is man in the hand of the One who made him. And he will repay him according to his judgment. ? 15Good is against evil, and life is against death; so also is a sinner against a just man. And so should you consider all the works of the Most High: two and two, and one against another. ? 16And I awakened at the very end, and I was like one who gathers grapes after the grape-gatherers. ? 17I, too, have hoped in the blessing of God. And I have filled the winepress like one who gathers grapes. ? 18Consider how I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who are seeking discipline. ? 19Listen to me, you great ones, with all the peoples. And incline your ears, you rulers of the Church. ? 20You should not give authority over yourself to a son or wife, to a brother or friend, in your life. And you should not give your estate to another, lest perhaps you may regret it, and then you would be begging for the same. ? 21While you are still living and breathing, let no one among all flesh change you. ? 22For it is better if your children petition you, than if you look toward the hands of your children. ? 23In all your works, be pre-eminent. ? 24You should not allow a blemish upon your glory. On the day of the consummation of the days of your life, at the time of your passing, distribute your inheritance. ? 25Fodder and a rod and a burden are for a donkey; bread and discipline and work are for a servant. ? 26He works under discipline, and he seeks rest. Allow his hands to be idle, and he seeks liberty. ? 27The yoke and the strap bend a stiff neck, and continual labors bend a servant. ? 28Torture and chains are for a malevolent servant; send him to work, so that he may not be idle. ? 29For idleness has taught much evil. ? 30Appoint him to a task. For this is fitting for him. And if he will not be obedient, bend him with chains. But you should do no more than any flesh can bear. Truly, you should do nothing grievous without judgment. ? 31If you have a faithful servant, let him be to you like your own soul. Treat him like a brother. For you have obtained him by the blood of your soul. ? 32If you harm him unjustly, he will turn away and flee. ? 33And then, when he lifts himself up and departs, you will not know whom to ask, or in what way to seek him. ?

Chapter 34

1The hopes of a senseless man are empty and false; and dreams extol the imprudent. ? 2Like one who chases a shadow and pursues the wind, so also is one who pays attention to lying visions. ? 3In the vision of dreams, one thing represents another, as when a mask is before the face of a man. ? 4What can be cleansed by the unclean? And what truth can be spoken from a lie? ? 5Erroneous divinations and false signs and the dreams of evildoers are emptiness. ? 6For your heart suffers from imagination, like a woman suffering in childbirth. Unless it is a visitation sent from the Most High, you should not set your heart upon it. ? 7For dreams have caused many to go astray, and those who have hoped in them have fallen away. ? 8The word of the law will be fulfilled without a lie, and wisdom will be made plain in the mouths of the faithful. ? 9He who has not been tested, what does he know? A man with much experience will consider many things. And whoever has learned much will explain with understanding. ? 10He who has no experience knows little. And he who has done many things has made many mistakes. ? 11He who has not been tested, what kind of things can he know? He who has been deceived will be more cunning. ? 12I have seen much by wandering, and the customs of many things. ? 13At times, I have even been in danger of death because of these things, but I was freed by the grace of God. ? 14The spirit of those who fear God is sought, and they will be blessed by his providence. ? 15For their hope is in him who saves them, and the eyes of God are on those who love him. ? 16Those who fear the Lord will tremble at nothing, and they will not be terrified. For he is their hope. ? 17The soul of him who fears the Lord is blessed. ? 18To whom should he look, and who is his strength? ? 19The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him. He is a powerful Protector, a Firmament of virtue, a Shelter from the heat, and a Covering from the midday sun, ? 20a Guardian from offenses, and a Helper from falling, who exalts the soul and illuminates the eyes, and who gives health and life and blessing. ? 21An immolation from iniquity is a stained oblation, and the derisions of the unjust are not well pleasing. ? 22The Lord is only for those who persevere for him in the way of truth and justice. ? 23The Most High does not approve of the gifts of the iniquitous. Neither does he have respect for the oblations of the unjust; neither will he forgive their sins because of the multitude of their sacrifices. ? 24Whoever offers a sacrifice from the substance of the poor is like one who sacrifices the son in the sight of his father. ? 25The bread of the indigent is the life of the poor. Whoever cheats them out of it is a man of blood. ? 26Whoever takes away the bread of sweat is like one who kills his neighbor. ? 27He who sheds blood, and he who cheats the hired hand out of his wages, are brothers. ? 28When one builds and another destroys, what benefit do they have from their labor? ? 29When one prays and another curses, whose voice will God heed? ? 30He who washes himself after touching the dead, and then touches him again, what was the benefit of his washing? ? 31Similarly, a man who fasts for his sins, and then does the same again, what was the benefit of his humbling himself? Who will heed his prayer? ?

Chapter 35

1Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations. ? 2It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity. ? 3And to depart from injustice is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices and a supplication for sins. ? 4Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice. ? 5To withdraw from iniquity is well-pleasing to the Lord. And to withdraw from injustice is a supplication for sins. ? 6You should not appear empty before the sight of the Lord. ? 7For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God. ? 8The oblation of the just fattens the altar, and is a fragrance of sweetness in the sight of the Most High. ? 9The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will never forget the memorial of it. ? 10Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands. ? 11With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation. ? 12Give to the Most High according to his gifts to you, and act with a good eye toward the creations of your hands. ? 13For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you seven times as much. ? 14Do not be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them. ? 15And do not be willing to consider an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no favoritism toward anyone. ? 16The Lord will not accept favoritism against the poor, but he will heed the prayer of one who has been harmed. ? 17He will not despise the prayers of the orphan, nor of the widow, if she utters a lamenting complaint. ? 18Do a widow�s tears not run down her cheek? And will her outcry not cause their downfall? ? 19For from her cheek, her tears ascend even to heaven. And the Lord, the One who listens, will not take delight in them. ? 20Whoever adores God with joy will be accepted, and his prayer will reach even to the clouds. ? 21The prayer of one who humbles himself will pierce the clouds. And it will not be consoled until it draws near; and it will not withdraw until the Most High beholds. ? 22And the Lord will not delay, and he will judge for those who are just, and he will accomplish judgment. And the Almighty will not have patience with them, so that he may crush their back. ? 23And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant, and broken the scepters of the iniquitous, ? 24until he has rendered to men according to their deeds, and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption, ? 25until he has judged the judgment of his people. And he will delight the just with his mercy. ? 26The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of tribulation, like a rain cloud in the time of drought. ?

Chapter 36

1O God of all, take pity on us, and look with favor on us, and show us the light of your compassion. ? 2And send your fear upon the Gentiles, who have not sought you, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds. ? 3Lift up your hand over unbelieving nations, so that they may see your power. ? 4For just as, in their sight, you have been sanctified in us, so also, in our sight, you will be magnified in them. ? 5So may they know you, as we also have known you. For there is no God apart from you, O Lord. ? 6Renew your signs, and work new wonders. ? 7Glorify your hand and your right arm. ? 8Stir up your fury, and pour out your wrath. ? 9Take away our adversary, and afflict our enemy. ? 10Hasten the time, and remember the end, so that they may declare your miracles. ? 11Let those who escape be devoured by the wrath of fire. And let those who harass your people find perdition. ? 12Crush the head of the leaders of the enemies, for they say: �There is no other beside us.� ? 13Gather together all the tribes of Jacob, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds. And you will inherit them, as from the beginning. ? 14Take pity on your people, over whom your name has been invoked, and on Israel, whom you have treated as your firstborn. ? 15Take pity on Jerusalem, the city of your sanctification, the city of your rest. ? 16Fill Zion with your ineffable words, and fill your people with your glory. ? 17Give testimony to those who have been your creations from the beginning, and lift up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in your name. ? 18Give a reward to those who endure for you, so that your prophets may be found to be faithful. And heed the prayers of your servants, ? 19in accord with the blessing of Aaron over your people. And direct us in the way of justice, and let all who inhabit the earth know that you are God, the Beholder of all ages. ? 20The belly can devour any food, yet one meal is better than another. ? 21The palate tests the meat of wild animals, and the understanding heart tests false words. ? 22A corrupt heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it. ? 23A woman can receive any male, yet one daughter is better than another. ? 24The beauty of a wife cheers the face of her husband, and rises above his desire, above all the desires of man. ? 25If she offers healing words, then she both comforts and shows mercy; and so her husband is not like other men. ? 26He who holds to a good wife establishes a possession. She is a helper in agreement with him, and she is a pillar of rest. ? 27Where there is no hedge, a possession will be trampled. And where there is no wife, he will mourn her absence. ? 28Who will trust one who has no nest, and who conceals himself wherever his course may take him, like a well-equipped robber passing from city to city? ?

Chapter 37

1Every friend will say: �I also am a close friend.� But there is a friend who is a friend in name only. Is this not a grief even unto death? ? 2But a companion and friend may turn into an enemy. ? 3O wicked presumption! From what were you created that you would cover the dry land with your malice and deceitfulness? ? 4A companion may rejoice with his friend in good times, but in a time of tribulation, he will be an adversary. ? 5There is a companion who commiserates with a friend for the sake of the stomach, but he will shield himself from the enemy. ? 6You should not forget your friend in your soul, and you should not be unmindful of him in your wealth. ? 7Do not choose to consult with someone who waits in ambush for you. And hide your counsel from those who rival you. ? 8Every counselor offers advice, but some are counselors only for themselves. ? 9Guard your soul from a counselor. And know beforehand what his interests are. For he will form thoughts from his own soul. ? 10Otherwise, he may set a signpost in the ground, and he may say to you: ? 11�Your own way is good.� But then he will stand at a distance to see what befalls you. ? 12Do not discuss holiness with an irreligious man, nor justice with one who is unjust. You should not speak with a woman about her who is a rival, nor with a coward about war, nor with a merchant about exaggeration, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with a spiteful man about giving thanks, ? 13nor with the impious about piety, nor with the dishonest about honesty, nor with the field worker about other kinds of work, ? 14nor with a worker hired for a year about the end of the year, nor with a lazy servant about great works. You should pay no heed to these persons in any matter of counsel. ? 15But be continually with a holy man, with anyone whom you know to observe the fear of God, ? 16whose soul is in agreement with your own soul, and who, when you falter in the dark, will share your sorrows. ? 17And establish a heart of good counsel within yourself. For there is nothing of greater usefulness to you than this. ? 18At any time, the soul of a holy man declares more truths than seven vigilant watchmen sitting in a high place. ? 19But concerning all things, pray to the Most High, so that he may direct your way in truth. ? 20In all your works, let a true word precede you, with steadfast counsel before every deed. ? 21A wicked word can change the heart. From the heart four kinds of things arise: good and evil, life and death. And the tongue is continually their ruler. There is a man who is an astute teacher of many, and yet this is useless to his own soul. ? 22A man of experience has taught many, and this is pleasant to his own soul. ? 23Whoever speaks mere rhetoric is hateful; he will be deceived in every matter. ? 24Grace is not given to him from the Lord. For he has been deprived of all wisdom. ? 25There is a wise man who is wise within his own soul, and the fruit of his understanding is praiseworthy. ? 26A wise man instructs his own people, and the fruit of his understanding is faithful. ? 27A wise man will be filled with blessings, and those who see will praise him. ? 28The life of a man is in the number of his days. But the days of Israel are innumerable. ? 29A wise man will inherit honor among the people, and his name will live in eternity. ? 30Son, test your own mind in your life, and if it is lacking, you should not give it authority. ? 31For not all things are fitting for all persons, and not every kind of thing is agreeable to every soul. ? 32Do not choose to be eager during any feast, and you should not act with excess toward any food. ? 33For in excessive eating there will be infirmity, and gluttony will continue even unto illness. ? 34By excessive drinking, many have passed away. But he who abstains will add to his life. ?

Chapter 38

1Honor the physician because of necessity, and because the Most High created him. ? 2For all healing is from God, and so he will receive gifts from the King. ? 3The expertise of the physician will lift up his head, and in the sight of great men, he will be praised. ? 4The Most High has created medicines from the earth, and a prudent man will not abhor them. ? 5Was not bitter water made sweet with wood? ? 6The benefits of these things is recognized by men, and the Most High has given this knowledge to men, so that he may be honored in his wonders. ? 7By these things, he will cure or mitigate their suffering, and the pharmacist will make soothing ointments, and he will form healing medicines, and there will be no end to his works. ? 8For the peace of God is upon the surface of the earth. ? 9Son, in your infirmity, you should not neglect yourself, but pray to the Lord, and he will cure you. ? 10Turn away from sin, and direct your hands, and cleanse your heart from every offense. ? 11Give a sweet offering, and a memorial of fine flour, and fatten your oblation, but also give a place to the physician. ? 12For the Lord created him. And so, do not let him depart from you, for his works are necessary. ? 13For there is a time when you may fall into their hands. ? 14Truly, they will beseech the Lord, so that he may direct their treatments and cures, for the sake of their way of life. ? 15He who sins in the sight of the One who made him will fall into the hands of the physician. ? 16Son, shed tears over the dead, and begin to weep, as if you had suffered dreadfully. And according to judgment, cover his body, and you should not neglect his burial. ? 17And though you will sink down into bitterness, bear his mourning for one day, and then be consoled in your sadness. ? 18And carry out his mourning, according to his merit, for one or two days because of this loss. ? 19Yet sadness hastens death and overwhelms strength, and the sorrow of the heart bows down the neck. ? 20When one is taken away, sorrow remains. But the resources of a destitute man is found in his heart. ? 21You should not give your heart over to sadness, but push it away from you. And remember the very end. ? 22Do not be willing to forget this; for there is no turning back. Otherwise, it will not benefit you, and you will cause great harm to yourself. ? 23Call to mind my judgment. For so shall it be for you also. Yesterday is mine, and today is yours. ? 24When the deceased is at rest, let his memory rest also. And console him at the departure of his spirit. ? 25The wisdom of a scribe is found in his time of leisure. So whoever has less to do will gain wisdom. ? 26With what wisdom will someone be filled who holds the plow, and who boasts of the cattle prod that drives the oxen forward, and who is occupied in these labors, and whose only conversation is about the offspring of bulls? ? 27He will give his mind over to the plowing of furrows, and his vigilance to the fattening of the cows. ? 28Similarly, every craftsman and artisan, who crafts in the night as well as in the day, who sculpts graven seals, and who, by his diligence, varies the image, will give his mind over to the likeness of the image. And he will complete the work by his vigilance. ? 29The blacksmith, sitting by his anvil and considering a work of iron, is similar. The steam from the fire singes his flesh, and he struggles against the heat of the furnace. ? 30The voice of the hammer is ever in his ears, and his eye is upon the pattern of the ironwork. ? 31He gives his heart to the completion of his work, and his vigilance adorns it to perfection. ? 32The potter, sitting at his work and turning the wheel with his feet, is similar. He has settled into a continual concern for his work, and there is a rhythm in all that he does. ? 33He forms the clay with his arm, and he bends his strength over his feet. ? 34He will give his heart over to the completion of the glazing, and his vigilance to the cleansing of the furnace. ? 35All these persons trust in their own hands, and each one is wise in his own art. ? 36Without these persons, a city is not built. ? 37But they will neither inhabit nor walk around in the city. And they will not go across to the church. ? 38They will not sit upon the seats of judges, and they will not understand a decree of judgment. And they will not make clear discipline and judgment, and they will not be found to understand parables. ? 39But they will strengthen the state of the world, and their prayer will be in their artistic works, applying their soul, and searching the law of the Most High. ?

Chapter 39

1A wise man will seek the wisdom of all the ancients, and he will be occupied in the prophets. ? 2He will preserve the words of renowned men, and he will enter with them into the subtleties of parables. ? 3He will search for the hidden meanings of proverbs, and he will become familiar with the mysteries of parables. ? 4He will minister in the midst of great men, and he will appear in the sight of the foremost leader. ? 5He will pass through the land of foreign nations. For he will test good and evil among men. ? 6At first light, he will offer his heart with watchfulness to the Lord who made him, and he will pray in the sight of the Most High. ? 7He will open his mouth in prayer, and he will make supplication for his offenses. ? 8For if the great Lord is willing, he will fill him with the Spirit of understanding. ? 9And he will send forth the eloquence of his wisdom like rain showers, and in his prayer, he will confess to the Lord. ? 10And he will direct his counsel and his discipline, and he will meditate on his mysteries. ? 11He will make the discipline of his doctrine clear, and he will glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. ? 12Many persons will together praise his wisdom, and it will never be abolished, for all ages. ? 13The memory of him will not fade away, and his name will be sought from generation to generation. ? 14The peoples will declare his wisdom, and the Church will announce his praise. ? 15While he remains, he leaves behind a name sirachgreater than a thousand, and when he will rest, it will be to his benefit. ? 16I will meditate further, so that I may explain. For I have been filled with a passion. ? 17In a voice, he says: Listen to me, divine fruits. You shall bear fruit, like roses planted beside streams of waters. ? 18You shall have a sweet fragrance, like the cedars of Lebanon. ? 19Blossom with flowers, like the lily, and diffuse a fragrance, and sprout leaves in grace, and give praise with canticles, and bless the Lord in his works. ? 20Give magnificence to his name, and confess to him with the voice of your lips and with the canticles of your mouth and with stringed instruments. And in so praising him, you will confess: ? 21All the works of the Lord are very good. ? 22At his word, the waters stood still, as if piled together. And at the words of his mouth, the waters were contained, as if in basins of water. ? 23For it is made pleasing by his precept, and there is no decrease in his salvation. ? 24The works of all flesh are in his sight, and there is nothing hidden from his eyes. ? 25His gaze is from eternity to eternity, and nothing is a wonder in his sight. ? 26Let it not be said: �What is this?� or, �What is that?� For all things will be sought in their time. ? 27His blessing has overflowed like a river. ? 28In the same way that a flood inundates the dry land, so also will his wrath inherit the peoples that have not sought him. ? 29In the same way that he turned the waters into dry land, and made the earth dry, and just as his ways have been directed for their journey, so also will sinners stumble before his wrath. ? 30From the beginning, good things were created for those who are good, and similarly, good and evil things are for those who are wicked. ? 31The principal things necessary for the life of men are: water, fire, and iron, salt, milk, and flour for bread, and honey, and the grape cluster, and oil, and clothing. ? 32All these things will be used for good by those who are holy, but they will be turned to evil use by the impious and by sinners. ? 33There are spirits that have been created for vengeance, and they strengthen their torments by their fury. ? 34In the time of the consummation, they will pour forth their strength. And they will appease the fury of the One who made them. ? 35Fire, hail, famine, and death: all these were created for vengeance. ? 36The teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, and serpents, and the spear: all these take vengeance upon the impious, unto utter destruction. ? 37At his command, they will feast. And they will be prepared upon the earth until they are needed. And in their time, they will not ignore his word. ? 38For this reason, from the beginning, I was strengthened, and I have meditated, and I have considered, and I have put these things in writing. ? 39All the works of the Lord are good, and he will provide for each work in its own hour. ? 40Let it not be said: �This is worse than that.� For all things will be tested in their time. ? 41And now, with the whole heart and mouth, give praise to him, and bless the name of the Lord. ?

Chapter 40

1A great occupation was created for all men, and a heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day of their departure from their mother�s womb, even until the day of their burial into the mother of all: ? 2their thoughts, and the fears of their heart, their imagined expectations, and the day of their end, ? 3from him who sits upon a glorious throne, even to him who is humbled in earth and ashes, ? 4from him who wears hyacinth and bears a crown, even to him who is covered with rough linen: wrath, envy, tumult, restlessness, and the fear of death, continual anger and contention. ? 5And in the time of rest upon his bed, the sleep of the night changes his knowledge. ? 6There is little or no rest, and sleep is taken from him, as if on a day of keeping watch. ? 7He is disturbed by a vision of his heart, as if he had escaped in a day of warfare. In the time of his salvation, he rose up and wondered that there was no fear. ? 8This is so with all flesh, from man even to cattle, but upon sinners it is seven times as great. ? 9Add to this: death, bloodshed, contention, and the spear, oppression, famine, and affliction, and scourges. ? 10All these things have been created because of iniquity, and it is due to iniquity that the great flood was made. ? 11All things that are of the earth shall return to the earth, and all waters shall return to the sea. ? 12All bribery and iniquity will be wiped away, but faith shall stand forever. ? 13The substance of the unjust will dry up like a river, and will pass away with a noise like loud thunder in a rainstorm. ? 14When he opens his hands, he will rejoice. So will transgressors pass away at the consummation. ? 15The descendents of the impious will not produce many branches, for they may be compared to dirty roots at the edge of a rock. ? 16The weeds, which grow above every water and beside the banks of the river, will be uprooted before all the grass. ? 17Grace is like a paradise of blessings, and mercy continues for eternity. ? 18The life of a worker, when content with what is sufficient, will become sweet, and in it you will find a treasure. ? 19Sons, and the building of a city, will establish a name,sirach but an immaculate wife will be ranked above these things. ? 20Wine and music rejoice the heart, but the love of wisdom is above them both. ? 21The flute and the psaltery make a sweet melody, but a pleasant word is above them both. ? 22Your eye desires elegance and beauty, but verdant fields are above these things. ? 23A friend and a companion meet one another in time, but above them both is a wife with her husband. ? 24Brothers are a help in time of tribulation, but mercy will liberate, more so than they will. ? 25Gold and silver provide a firm position for the feet, but well-spoken counsel is above them both. ? 26Ability and strength lift up the heart, but the fear of the Lord is above these things. ? 27There is no loss in the fear of the Lord, and it has no need to ask for assistance. ? 28The fear of the Lord is like a paradise of blessings, and they have covered it above all glory. ? 29Son, in your lifetime you should not be indigent, for it is better to die than to be destitute. ? 30The life of him who looks to another man�s table should not be thought of as a way of life. For he feeds his life with another man�s food. ? 31But a disciplined and well-taught man will take care of himself. ? 32Scarcity will seem sweet to the mouth of the imprudent, but a fire will burn in his belly. ?

Chapter 41

1O death, how bitter is the memory of you: to a man who has peace in his substance, ? 2to a quiet man, and to him whose ways are directed properly in all things, and who still has the strength to take nourishment. ? 3O death, your judgment is good to the indigent man, and to him whose strength has diminished, ? 4who is failing due to old age, and who is anxious about all things, and to the unbelieving man who has lost patience. ? 5Do not choose to dread the judgment of death. Remember the things that occurred before you, and the things that will occur after you. This judgment is from the Lord upon all flesh. ? 6And what will happen to you is well-pleasing to the Most High, whether in ten, or one hundred, or one thousand years. ? 7For death is no indictment of life. ? 8The sons of sinners, and those who pass their time in the manner of the houses of the impious, become sons of abominations. ? 9The inheritance of the sons of sinners will perish, and continual disgrace will be with their offspring. ? 10The sons of an impious father will complain, for they are in disgrace because of him. ? 11Woe to you, impious men, who have abandoned the law of the Most High Lord! ? 12And when you are born, you will be born into a curse; and when you die, your portion will be in a curse. ? 13All things that are from the earth shall return to the earth. Similarly, the impious will proceed from a curse unto perdition. ? 14The grieving of men is in their body, but the name of the impious will be wiped away. ? 15Have concern for your good name. For this will continue with you, more so than a thousand precious and great treasures. ? 16A good life has its number of days, but a good name will continue forever. ? 17Sons, practice discipline peacefully. For what use is there in either concealed wisdom, or undiscovered treasure? ? 18Better is the man who hides his foolishness than the man who hides his wisdom. ? 19Yet truly, have respect for these things which proceed from my mouth. ? 20For it is not good to observe every reverence. And all things do not please all persons in their beliefs. ? 21Have shame of these things: of fornication before father and mother, and of a lie before the first leader and the powerful, ? 22of a crime before a ruler or a judge, of iniquity before a congregation or a people, ? 23of injustice before a companion or a friend, and of the place in which you live, ? 24of theft, and of the truth before God, and of the covenant, of reclining to eat bread, and of deceitfulness in giving or receiving, ? 25of silence before those who greet you, of looking upon a woman of fornication, and of averting your face from a relative. ? 26You should not avert your face from your neighbor, nor should you take away a portion and not restore it. ? 27You should not stare at another man�s wife, and nor pursue his handmaid, nor approach her bed. ? 28Avoid reproachful speeches before friends, and when you give, you should not place blame. ?

Chapter 42

1You should not repeat a claim heard from the revealing of a hidden word. And then, truly, you will be without shame, and you will find favor in the sight of all men. You should not accept the reputation of someone, so that you would sin, nor should you be confounded in any of the following things: ? 2in the law of the Most High and his covenant, or by giving a judgment to justify the impious; ? 3in a word among companions and fellow travelers, or by distributing the inheritance of friends; ? 4in the fairness of scales and weights, or in acquiring much or little; ? 5by the corruption of buying and negotiating, or in the ample discipline of children, or in causing the side of a wicked servant to bleed. ? 6A seal is good over a wicked wife. ? 7Where there are many hands, seal and deliver all things by number and weight; and truly, give and receive everything in writing. ? 8You should not have shame in correcting the senseless, the foolish, and those youths who would judge their elders. And so shall you be well-instructed in all things and well-approved in the sight of all the living. ? 9The vigilance of a father for his daughter is hidden, and his concern for her takes away his sleep. For perhaps, in her adolescence, she might be brought into adulthood. Or when she lives with her husband, she might become hateful. ? 10In her virginity, she might be defiled, and then she may be found to be pregnant in her father�s house. Or perhaps, when she lives with her husband, she might stray, or at least become barren. ? 11Keep a close watch over a self-indulgent daughter. Otherwise, at some time, she might bring you into disgrace before your enemies, and into disrepute in the city, and into reproach among the people, and so she may confound you before the multitude of the people. ? 12She should not choose to gaze upon the beauty of every man, and she should not choose to spend her time in the midst of married women. ? 13For a moth goes forth from garments, and iniquity over a man goes forth from a woman. ? 14Yet iniquity over a man is better for her than if a married woman, seeking to benefit her, instead leads her into confusion and disgrace. ? 15And now, I will remember the works of the Lord, and I will announce what I have seen. The words of the Lord are in his works. ? 16The sun illuminates and considers all things, and its work shows the fullness of the glory of the Lord. ? 17Has not the Lord caused the holy ones to describe all his miracles, which the all-powerful Lord has firmly established in his glory? ? 18He has examined the abyss and the hearts of men. And he has considered their astuteness. ? 19For the Lord comprehends all knowledge, and he has gazed upon the signs of the times: announcing the things of the past, as well as the things of the future, and revealing the traces of hidden things. ? 20No thought passes by him unnoticed, and no word can conceal itself from him. ? 21He has adorned the magnificent works of his wisdom. He is before eternity and even unto eternity. And nothing can be added, ? 22and nothing can be taken away. And he has no need of any counselor. ? 23O how desirable are all his works! And all that we consider is but a spark. ? 24All these works exist, and they remain in the present age, and they all obey him in every purpose. ? 25All things are two-fold, one facing another, and he has not made anything to be lacking. ? 26He has confirmed each thing as good. And who would tire of beholding his glory? ?

Chapter 43

1The firmament on high is his beauty; it is the beauty of heaven in a vision of glory. ? 2The sun, at its appearance, announces its journey; it is an instrument of wonder, a work of the Most High. ? 3At midday, it scorches the earth. And in the presence of its heat, who would be able to endure? It is like the custodian of a furnace in its works of heat. ? 4In three ways, the sun acts: scorching the mountains, emitting fiery rays, and shining with its beams that can blind the eyes. ? 5Great is the Lord who made it, and at his word, it hurries on its journey. ? 6And the moon, in all its phases, serves to mark the seasons and to be a sign of the times. ? 7From the moon is the sign of a feast day; it is a light which diminishes at its consummation. ? 8A month is named according to its phases, increasing wonderfully at its culmination. ? 9It is an instrument of the armies on high, shining gloriously in the firmament of heaven. ? 10The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven; the Lord illuminates the world from on high. ? 11At the words of the Holy One, they stand for judgment, and they will never fail in their vigilance. ? 12Consider the rainbow, and bless the One who made it; it is very beautiful in its splendor. ? 13It encompasses the heavens with the circle of its glory; the hands of the Most High made it appear. ? 14By his order, he hastens the snow, and he spurs on the lightning to express his judgment. ? 15In like manner, his storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly out like birds. ? 16By his greatness, he has positioned the clouds, and the hailstones have been broken. ? 17At his glance, the mountains will be shaken, and by his will, the south wind will blow. ? 18The voice of his thunder will reverberate through the earth, by a storm from the north, and by a gathering of the whirlwind. ? 19And like the birds landing in a flock upon the earth, he sends down the snow; and its descent is like the arrival of a swarm of locusts. ? 20The eye is in wonder at the beauty of its whiteness, and the heart is astonished at its falling. ? 21He will pour out frost like salt upon the earth. And when it freezes, it will become like the tops of thistles. ? 22The cold north wind blows, and the water freezes into crystals; it will rest upon every gathering of water, and it will clothe the water like a breastplate. ? 23And it will devour the mountains, and burn the wilderness, and extinguish the greenery, like a fire. ? 24Relief for all is in the hurried arrival of a cloud. And the lowly dew will arrive to meet the heat and overpower it. ? 25At his word, the wind grows quiet, and by his thought, he appeases the abyss, for the Lord has planted islands in it. ? 26Let those who navigate the sea describe its perils. And when we have heard it with our ears, we will wonder. ? 27There are illustrious and wondrous works: the various kinds of wild animals, and all manner of cattle, and the great creatures of the sea. ? 28Through him, the end of their journey is confirmed, and by his word, all things fit together. ? 29We can say much, and yet still lack for words. But the consummation of our words is this: He is in all things. ? 30What would we be able to do to glorify him? For the Almighty himself is above all his own works. ? 31The Lord is terrible, and exceedingly great, and his power is wonderful. ? 32Glorify the Lord as much as you are able, yet still he will far exceed this. For his magnificence is beyond wonder. ? 33Bless the Lord and exalt him, as much as you are able. But he is beyond all praise. ? 34When you exalt him, use all your ability, and do not cease in this labor. For you can never comprehend him. ? 35Who will see him and explain? And who will magnify him, as he is from the beginning? ? 36There are many things, hidden from us, which are greater than these things. For we have seen but a few of his works. ? 37But the Lord has made all things, and he has given wisdom to those who act with piety. ?

Chapter 44

1Let us praise the men of glory, and our ancestors in their generation. ? 2The Lord has wrought great glory, by his own magnificence, from ancient times. ? 3There are those who rule with their authority, men of great virtue, who are gifted with prudence. There are those who announce among the prophets, with the dignity of prophets. ? 4And there are those who rule over the present generation, by the virtue of prudence, with very holy words for the people. ? 5There are those who, by their skill, compose musical themes, so as to set the verses of Scripture to music. ? 6There are men rich in virtue, who make a study of beauty, who live in peacefulness in their houses. ? 7All these obtained glory in their generations, and they had praise in their days. ? 8They left behind a name sirachfor those who were born of them, so that their praises might be described. ? 9But for some of them, there is no memorial. They have passed away as if they had never existed; and they have become as if they had never been born, and their sons along with them. ? 10But these were men of mercy, whose pious deeds have not failed. ? 11Good things continue with their offspring. ? 12Their descendents are a holy inheritance, and their offspring stand firm in the covenants. ? 13And because of them, their sons remain even unto eternity. Their offspring and their glory will not be forsaken. ? 14Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives on, from generation to generation. ? 15Let the people declare their wisdom, and let the Church announce their praise. ? 16Enoch pleased God, and he was transferred to Paradise, so that he might offer repentance to the nations. ? 17Noah was found to be perfect and just, and so, in the time of wrath, he was made a reconciliation. ? 18As a result, there was a remnant left for the earth, when the great flood was made. ? 19The covenants of the world were placed with him, so that all flesh would not be wiped away by the great flood. ? 20Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and no one was found to be like him in glory. He observed the law of the Most High, and he formed a covenant with him. ? 21In his flesh, he caused the covenant to stand, and when tested, he was found to be faithful. ? 22Therefore, by an oath, he gave glory to him among his people, so as to increase him like the dust of the earth, ? 23and to exalt his offspring like the stars, and to give an inheritance to them from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. ? 24And he acted in like manner toward Isaac, because of his father Abraham. ? 25The Lord gave the blessing of all the nations to him, and he confirmed his covenant upon the head of Jacob. ? 26He acknowledged him in his blessings, and he gave an inheritance to him, and he distributed to him the portion of the twelve tribes. ? 27And he preserved for him men of mercy, who were found to have grace before the eyes of all flesh. ?

Chapter 45

1Moses was beloved by God and men. The remembrance of him is a blessing. ? 2He made him like the holy ones in glory, and he magnified him by the fear of his enemies, and he appeased great portents by his words. ? 3He glorified him in the sight of kings, and he gave commandments to him in the sight of his people, and he revealed his glory to him. ? 4He made him holy by his faith and meekness, and he chose him from among all flesh. ? 5For he heard him and his voice, and he led him into a cloud. ? 6And he gave him precepts in his presence, with a law of life and discipline, so as to teach Jacob his covenant and Israel his judgments. ? 7He exalted his brother Aaron and those who were similar to him from the tribe of Levi. ? 8He established an eternal covenant with him, and he gave him the priesthood of the people, and he caused him to be blessed in glory. ? 9And he encircled him with a glorious belt, and he clothed him with a robe of glory, and he crowned him with virtuous attire. ? 10He placed upon him a garment to the feet, and pants, and an ephod, and he wrapped him all around with many little bells of gold, ? 11so that there would be a sound at his arrival, and so as to make a noise that would be heard in the temple, as a memorial for the sons of his people. ? 12He provided him with a holy robe of gold and hyacinth and purple, a woven work for a wise man of judgment and truth, ? 13a work of twisted scarlet, the work of an artist, with precious stones, cut and set in gold, and engraved by the work of a jeweler, as a memorial according to the number of the tribes of Israel. ? 14He provided him with a crown of gold upon his headdress, on which was written a symbol of holiness, a mark of honor. This was a work of virtue and a delight to the eyes in its beauty. ? 15Prior to him, there was no one of such beauty, even from the beginning. ? 16No foreigner was ever clothed with these things, but only his sons and his descendents alone, for all time. ? 17His sacrifices were consumed by fire daily. ? 18Moses filled his hands and anointed him with holy oil. ? 19An eternal covenant was made, with him and with his offspring, like the days of heaven, to execute the office of the priesthood, and to give praise and to glorify his people, in his name. ? 20He chose him from among all living men to offer to God sacrifice, incense, and a pleasing fragrance, as a memorial of appeasement on behalf of his people. ? 21And he gave him authority by his precepts, in the covenants of his judgments, to teach Jacob his testimonies, and to give light by his law to Israel. ? 22Then strangers stood up against him, and, because of envy, the men who were with Dathan and Abiram surrounded him in the desert, along with the congregation of Korah, in their anger. ? 23The Lord God saw this, and it did not please him, and so they were consumed by the force of his anger. ? 24He wrought great portents among them, and he consumed them with a flame of fire. ? 25And he added glory to Aaron, and he gave him an inheritance, and he allotted to him the first-fruits of the earth. ? 26He prepared for them the finest bread unto fullness. And they shall also eat from the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave to him and to his offspring. ? 27And yet he will not have an inheritance among the people of the land, and he has no portion among the people. For the Lord himself is his portion and his inheritance. ? 28Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, is third in glory, by imitating him in the fear of the Lord. ? 29And he stood up against the shamefulness of the people. By the goodness and responsiveness of his soul, he appeased God on behalf of Israel. ? 30For this reason, he made him a covenant of peace, a leader of the sanctuary and of his people, so that the dignity of the priesthood would remain with him and with his offspring unto eternity. ? 31And he made a covenant with king David, the son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, an inheritance for him and for his offspring, so that he might provide wisdom for our hearts, so as to judge his people in justice, lest their good things be abolished. And he caused their glory within their nation to be everlasting. ?

Chapter 46

1Joshua, the son of Nun, was valiant in warfare; he was the successor of Moses among the prophets. He was great in accord with his name, ? 2very great in the saving the elect of God. He fought against the insurgent enemies, so that he might obtain the inheritance for Israel. ? 3What great glory he secured, by lifting up his hands and throwing his spears against the cities! ? 4Who before him has stood so firmly? For the Lord himself led forward the enemies. ? 5Was not the sun halted by his wrath, and one day made as if two? ? 6He called upon the Most High Power, when the enemies assailed him on every side. And the great and holy God answered him with hailstones of exceedingly great force. ? 7He made a violent assault against a hostile nation, and at his descent, he destroyed his adversaries, ? 8so that the nations would acknowledge his power: that it is not easy to fight against God. And he followed the Almighty. ? 9And in the days of Moses, he accomplished a work of mercy. He and Caleb, the son of Jephuneh, stood against the enemy, and forbid the people from sin, and broke their wicked murmuring. ? 10And these two, having been appointed, were freed from peril, from foot soldiers numbering six hundred thousand, so as to lead them into their inheritance, into a land flowing with milk and honey. ? 11And the Lord gave strength to Caleb also, and his strength remained even in his old age, so that he ascended to the high places of the land, and his offspring obtained it as an inheritance. ? 12This was so that all the sons of Israel would see that it is good to obey the holy God. ? 13Then there were the judges, each one called by name, whose heart was not corrupted. They did not turn away from the Lord, ? 14so that their memory might be blessed, and their bones might spring forth from their place, ? 15and their name might remain forever, continuing in their sons, holy men of glory. ? 16Samuel, prophet of the Lord, beloved by the Lord his God, established a new government, and he anointed leaders over his people. ? 17By the law of the Lord, he judged the congregation, and the God of Jacob saw it, and so, by his fidelity, he was proven to be a prophet. ? 18And he was known to be faithful in his words. For he saw the God of light. ? 19And when fighting against the enemies, who stood against him on every side, he called upon the name of the Almighty Lord, with an offering of an inviolate lamb. ? 20And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise, he made his voice to be heard. ? 21And he crushed the leaders of the Tyrians, and all the commanders of the Philistines. ? 22And before the time of the end of his life in the world, he offered testimony in the sight of the Lord and of his Christ, that he had not taken a bribe from any flesh, not even so much as a shoe, and that no man made an accusation against him. ? 23And after this, he slept. And he made known to the king and revealed to him the end of his life. And he lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to abolish the impiety of the people. ?

Chapter 47

1After these things, Nathan the prophet arose, in the days of David. ? 2And just as fat is separated from meat, so was David separated from the sons of Israel. ? 3He played with lions, as if with lambs, and he acted similarly with bears, as if they were lambs of the flock, in his youth. ? 4Did he not kill the giant, and take away the reproach from his people? ? 5By lifting up his hand, with a stone in a sling, he threw down the boasting of Goliath. ? 6For he called upon the Almighty Lord, and he swore with his right hand to take away the mighty man of war, and to exalt the horn of his people. ? 7So he glorified him amid ten thousand, and he praised him with the blessings of the Lord, by offering him a crown of glory. ? 8For he crushed the enemies on every side, and he eradicated his adversaries, the Philistines, even to this day. He broke their horn, even for all time. ? 9In all his works, he gave thanks to the Holy One, to the Most High, with words of glory. ? 10With all his heart, he praised the Lord and he loved God, who made him and who gave him power against his enemies. ? 11And he appointed singers to stand opposite the altar, and by their voices he provided sweet music. ? 12And he provided beauty for the celebrations, and he gave order to the times, even until the end of his life, so that they would praise the holy name of the Lord, and magnify the sanctity of God, from early morning. ? 13The Lord purged his sins, and he exalted his horn forever. And he gave him the covenant of the kingdom, and a throne of glory in Israel. ? 14After him, an understanding son rose up. And by means of him, he cast down all the power of the enemies. ? 15Solomon reigned in days of peace, and God subjected all his enemies to him, so that he might build a house in his name, and prepare a sanctuary for all time. O how well-taught you were in your youth! ? 16And you were filled with wisdom like a river, and your mind exposed the world. ? 17And you explained mysteries by means of parables. Your name became known to far off islands, and you were beloved for your peace. ? 18The earth was in wonder over your canticles, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations, ? 19and over the name of the Lord God, who is known as the God of Israel. ? 20You gathered gold like copper, and you multiplied silver like lead. ? 21But you bent your thigh to women, and you were held by the power of your body. ? 22You brought a stain upon your glory, and you profaned your seed, so as to bring wrath upon your children, and to incite your foolishness, ? 23so that you would cause the kingdom to be divided, and an obstinate kingdom to rule from Ephraim. ? 24But God will not abandon his mercy, nor will he corrupt or abolish his own works. And he will not perish the stock of the descendents of his elect. And he will not destroy the offspring of him who loves the Lord. ? 25Therefore, he left behind a remnant for Jacob and for David, from the same stock. ? 26And Solomon had his end with his fathers. ? 27And he left behind himself some of his offspring, as the folly of the nation: ? 28both Rehoboam, who had little prudence, and who turned away the people by his counsel, ? 29and Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and who provided a way of sin to Ephraim. And their sins were multiplied exceedingly. ? 30They thoroughly turned them away from their own land. ? 31And they sought every kind of wickedness, even until punishment overwhelmed them, and freed them from every kind of sin. ?

Chapter 48

1And the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch. ? 2He brought a famine upon them, and those who provoked him in their envy became few. For they could not bear the precepts of the Lord. ? 3By the word of the Lord, he closed the heavens, and he brought down fire from heaven three times. ? 4In this way, Elijah was magnified in his wondrous works. So who can say that he is similar to you in glory? ? 5He raised up a dead man from the grave, from the fate of death, by the word of the Lord God. ? 6He threw down kings unto perdition, and he easily shattered their power and boasting from his bed. ? 7He heeded the judgment at Sinai, and the judgments of punishment at Horeb. ? 8He anointed kings unto repentance, and he chose the prophets who would follow after him. ? 9He was received into a whirlwind of fire, into a swift chariot with fiery horses. ? 10He is written in the judgments of the times, so as to lessen the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. ? 11Blessed are those who saw you, and who were adorned with your friendship. ? 12For we live only in our life, and after death, our name will not be the same. ? 13Certainly, Elijah was covered by the whirlwind, and his spirit was completed in Elisha. In his days, he was not fearful of the ruler, and no power defeated him. ? 14No word overwhelmed him, and after death, his body prophesied. ? 15In his life, he gave great portents, and in death, he wrought miracles. ? 16In all these things, the people did not repent, and they did not withdraw from their sins, even until they were cast out of their land, and were dispersed throughout all the earth. ? 17And there was left behind a people very few in number, but with a leader in the house of David. ? 18Some of these did what pleased God. But others committed many sins. ? 19Hezekiah fortified his city, and he brought water into its midst, and he dug into rock with iron, and he built a well for water. ? 20In his days, Sennacherib rose up, and he sent Rabshakeh, and he lifted up his hand against them, and he extended his hand against Zion, and he became arrogant in his power. ? 21Then their hearts and hands shook. And they were in pain, like women giving birth. ? 22And they called upon the merciful Lord. And they spread their hands and lifted them up to heaven. And the holy Lord God quickly heeded their voice. ? 23He was not mindful of their sins, and he did not give them over to their enemies. Instead, he purified them by the hand of Isaiah, the holy prophet. ? 24He threw down the army of the Assyrians, and the Angel of the Lord crushed them. ? 25For Hezekiah did what pleased God, and he went with fortitude in the way of David his father, just as he had been commanded by Isaiah, a prophet great and faithful in the sight of God. ? 26In his days, the sun went backwards, and he added to the king�s life. ? 27With a great spirit he saw the final things. And he consoled the mourners in Zion. ? 28He revealed the future, even the distant future, and hidden things before they occurred. ?

Chapter 49

1The memory of Josiah is like a blend of fragrances composed by the work of a perfumer. ? 2His remembrance will be sweet like honey in every mouth, and like music at a banquet of wine. ? 3He was divinely directed for the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of impiety. ? 4And he guided his heart toward the Lord. And during the days of sinners, he strengthened piety. ? 5Other than David, and Hezekiah, and Josiah, everyone committed sin. ? 6For the kings of Judah abandoned the law of the Most High, and they held contempt for the fear of God. ? 7For they gave their kingdom to foreigners, and their glory to a strange people. ? 8They set fire to the chosen city of sanctity, and they made its streets desolate, in accord with the hand of Jeremiah. ? 9For they treated him wickedly, though he was consecrated as a prophet from his mother�s womb: to overthrow, and to root out, and to destroy, and also to rebuild and to renew. ? 10It was Ezekiel who saw a vision of glory, which was revealed to him with the chariot of the Cherubim. ? 11For it called to mind the enemies under the figure of rain, to do good to those who have revealed the upright ways. ? 12And may the bones of the twelve prophets spring up from their place. For they strengthened Jacob, and they redeemed themselves with a virtuous faith. ? 13How will we magnify Zerubbabel? For he, too, was like a signet on the right hand. ? 14So also was Jesus, the son of Jozadak, who in their days built the house, and raised up a holy temple to the Lord, as a preparation for everlasting glory. ? 15And may Nehemiah be remembered for a long time. He raised up for us the walls that had been torn down. And he made firm the gates and the bars. He raised up our houses. ? 16No one has been born upon the earth like Enoch. And he was also taken up from the earth. ? 17And there was no one like Joseph, who was a man born to be foremost among his brothers, the firmament of his clan, a guide to his brethren, the mainstay of his people. ? 18And his bones were visited, and after death, they prophesied. ? 19Shem and Seth obtained glory among men. And above every soul, at the very beginning, was Adam. ?

Chapter 50

1Simon, the high priest, son of Onias: in his life, he propped up the house, and in his days, he strengthened the temple. ? 2Even the height of the temple was established by him: the double building and the high walls of the temple. ? 3In his days, waters flowed out from the wells, and these were full beyond measure, like the sea. ? 4He cared for his nation, and he freed it from perdition. ? 5He prevailed, so as to enlarge the city. And he obtained glory by his behavior among the people. And he enlarged the entrance of the house and of the atrium. ? 6He shined in his days like the morning star through the midst of a cloud, and like the full moon. ? 7And he shined forth in the temple of God in this manner: like the sun when it shines brightly, ? 8and like a rainbow shining amid clouds of glory, and like flowering roses in the days of spring, and like lilies along the water�s edge, and like sweet smelling frankincense in the days of summer, ? 9like a fire shining brightly, and like frankincense burning within a fire, ? 10like a vessel of solid gold, adorned with every precious stone, ? 11like an olive tree producing buds, and like a cypress tree lifting itself on high, when he received the robe of glory and was vested with the consummation of virtue. ? 12He gave glory to the vestment of sanctity, when he ascended to the holy altar. ? 13Then, when he received the portions from the hands of the priests, he himself stood next to the altar. And around him was the crown of his brethren, like a cedar planted on a mountain of Lebanon. ? 14And they stood around him like palm branches, and all were sons of Aaron in their glory. ? 15Then the oblation of the Lord was in their hands, in the sight of the entire synagogue of Israel. And completing his service at the altar, so as to magnify the offering to the Most High King, ? 16he extended his hand to make a libation, and he offered from the blood of the grape. ? 17At the base of the altar, he poured out a divine fragrance to the Most High Prince. ? 18Then the sons of Aaron shouted; they sounded finely-made trumpets, and they made a great noise, as a memorial in the sight of God. ? 19Then all the people at once hurried forward, and they fell to the ground on their faces, to adore the Lord their God, and to offer prayers to Almighty God Most High. ? 20And the singers of Psalms raised their voices, and a full sweet sound increased in the great house. ? 21And the people petitioned the Most High Lord in prayer, even until the honor of the Lord was completed, and they finished offering their gifts. ? 22Then, descending, he extended his hands over the entire congregation of the sons of Israel, to give glory to God from his lips, and to glory in his name. ? 23And he repeated his prayer, wanting to reveal the virtue of God. ? 24And now, pray to the God of all, who has accomplished great things over all the earth, who has increased our days from our mother�s womb, and who has acted toward us in accord with his mercy. ? 25May he give us joyfulness in heart, and may there be peace in our days, in Israel for unending days, ? 26so that Israel may trust the mercy of God to be with us, in order to free us in his days. ? 27Two nations my soul hates, and a third, which I hate, is not a nation: ? 28those who sit upon mount Seir, and the Philistines, and the foolish people who live at Shechem. ? 29Jesus, the son of Sirach, of Jerusalem, who renewed wisdom from his heart, wrote the doctrine of wisdom and discipline in this book. ? 30Blessed is he who lives by these good things. Whoever places these things in his heart will be ever wise. ? 31For if he does these things, he will prevail in all things. For the light of God is upon his footsteps. ?

Chapter 51

1The prayer of Jesus, the son of Sirach: I will confess to you, O Lord and King, and I will give praise to you, O God my Saviour. ? 2I will acknowledge your name. For you have been my Helper and Protector. ? 3And you have freed my body from perdition, from the snare of the iniquitous tongue, and from the lips of those who forge lies. And you have been my Helper in the sight of those who stood nearby. ? 4And you have freed me according to the multitude of the mercy of your name: from those who roared and prepared to devour, ? 5from the hands of those who sought my life, and from the gates of tribulation that surrounded me, ? 6from the oppression of the flames that surrounded me, and so I was not burned in the midst of the fire, ? 7from the depths of the bowels of hell, and from the defiled tongue, and from lying words, from an iniquitous king, and from an unjust tongue. ? 8My soul shall praise the Lord, even unto death. ? 9For my life was drawing near to hell below. ? 10And they surrounded me on every side. And there was no one who would help me. I looked around for the assistance of men, and there was none. ? 11Then I remembered your mercy, O Lord, and your works, which are from the very beginning. ? 12For you rescue those who persevere for you, O Lord, and you free them from the hands of the Gentiles. ? 13You exalted my habitation upon the earth, and I made supplication that death would pass away. ? 14I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, so that he would not abandon me in the day of my tribulation, nor in the time of arrogance without assistance. ? 15I will praise your name unceasingly, and I will praise it with thanksgiving, for my prayer was heeded. ? 16And you freed me from perdition, and you rescued me from the time of iniquity. ? 17Because of this, I will give thanks and praise to you, and I will bless the name of the Lord. ? 18When I was still young, before I wandered astray, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. ? 19I asked for her before the temple, and even to the very end, I will inquire after her. And she flourished like a newly-ripened grape. ? 20My heart rejoiced in her. My feet walked in the right path. From my youth, I pursued her. ? 21I bent my ear a little and accepted her. ? 22I found much wisdom within myself, and I benefited greatly by her. ? 23I will give glory to him who gives wisdom to me. ? 24For I have decided that I should act according to wisdom. I have been zealous for what is good, and so I will not be confounded. ? 25My soul has struggled for wisdom, and in doing so, I have been confirmed. ? 26I extended my hands on high, and I mourned my ignorance of her. ? 27I directed my soul toward her, and I found her within knowledge. ? 28From the beginning, I held my heart to wisdom. Because of this, I will not be forsaken. ? 29My stomach was stirred up while seeking her. Because of her, I will hold a good possession. ? 30The Lord has given me a tongue as my reward, and I will praise him with it. ? 31Draw near to me, you who are untaught, and gather yourselves into the house of discipline. ? 32Why are you reluctant? And what do you have to say about these things? Your souls are exceedingly thirsty! ? 33I have opened my mouth, and I have spoken. Buy wisdom for yourselves without silver, ? 34and subject your neck to her yoke, and let your soul accept her discipline. For she is close enough to be found. ? 35See with your own eyes how I have labored only a little, and have found much rest for myself. ? 36Take up discipline, as if it were a great sum of money, and possess an abundance of gold in her. ? 37Let your soul rejoice in his mercy. For you will not be confounded by his praise. ? 38Accomplish your work before the time. And he will give you your reward in his time. ?