Ecclesiasticus, 33

1. No evil will befall one who fears the Lord, such a one will be rescued even in the ordeal.

1. If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them; take good care of them and then be seated;

2. No one who hates the Law is wise, one who is hypocritical about it is like a storm-tossed ship.

2. when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place, that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.

3. An intelligent person will put faith in the Law, for such a one the Law is as dependable as a prophecy.

3. Speak, you who are older, for it is fitting that you should, but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.

4. Prepare what you have to say and you will get a hearing, marshal your information before you answer.

4. Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk; do not display your cleverness out of season.

5. The feelings of a fool are like a cart-wheel, a fool's thought revolves like a turning axle.

5. A ruby seal in a setting of gold is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.

6. A rutting stallion is like a sarcastic friend; he neighs, whoever rides him.

6. A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold is the melody of music with good wine.

7. Why is one day better than another, though the sun gives the same daylight throughout the year?

7. Speak, young man, if there is need of you, but no more than twice, and only if asked.

8. They have been differentiated in the mind of the Lord, who has diversified the seasons and feasts;

8. Speak concisely, say much in few words; be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.

9. some he has made more important and has hallowed, others he has made ordinary days.

9. Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.

10. Human beings come from the ground, Adam himself was formed out of earth;

10. Lightning speeds before the thunder, and approval precedes a modest man.

11. in the fullness of his wisdom the Lord has made distinctions between them, and diversified their conditions.

11. Leave in good time and do not be the last; go home quickly and do not linger.

12. Some of them he has blessed, hallowing and setting them near him; others he has cursed and humiliated by degrading them from their positions.

12. Amuse yourself there, and do what you have in mind, but do not sin through proud speech.

13. Like clay in the hands of the potter to mould as it pleases him, so are human beings in the hands of their Maker to reward as he judges right.

13. And for these things bless him who made you and satisfies you with his good gifts.

14. Opposite evil stands good, opposite death, life; so too opposite the devout stands the sinner.

14. He who fears the Lord will accept his discipline, and those who rise early to seek him will find favor.

15. Contemplate all the works of the Most High, you will find they go in pairs, by opposites.

15. He who seeks the law will be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it.

16. Although the last to come, I have kept my eyes open like a man picking up what the grape-pickers have left.

16. Those who fear the Lord will form true judgments, and like a light they will kindle righteous deeds.

17. By the blessing of the Lord I have come in first, and like a true grape-picker have filled my winepress.

17. A sinful man will shun reproof, and will find a decision according to his liking.

18. And note, I have not been working merely for myself, but for all who seek instruction.

18. A man of judgment will not overlook an idea, and an insolent and proud man will not cower in fear.

19. Listen to me, important public figures, presidents of the assembly, give ear!

19. Do nothing without deliberation; and when you have acted, do not regret it.

20. Neither to son nor wife, brother nor friend, give power over yourself during your own lifetime. And do not give your property to anyone else, in case you regret it and have to ask for it back.

20. Do not go on a path full of hazards, and do not stumble over stony ground.

21. As long as you live and there is breath in your body, do not yield power over yourself to anyone;

21. Do not be overconfident on a smooth way,

22. better for your children to come begging to you, than for you to have to go begging to them.

22. and give good heed to your paths.

23. In all you do be the master, and leave a reputation unstained.

23. Guard yourself in every act, for this is the keeping of the commandments.

24. The day your life draws to a close, at the hour of death, then distribute your heritage.

24. He who believes the law gives heed to the commandments, and he who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.

25. Fodder, the stick and burdens for a donkey, bread, discipline and work for a slave.

25.

26. Work your slave hard, and you will have peace of mind, leave his hands idle, and he will be asking for his freedom.

26.

27. Yoke and harness will bow the neck, for a bad servant, torments and the rack.

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28. Set him to work, so that he will not be idle; idleness teaches every kind of mischief.

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29. Keep him at his duties, where he should be, if he is disobedient, clap him in irons.

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30. But do not be over-exacting with anyone, and do nothing contrary to justice.

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31. You have only one slave? Treat him like yourself, since you have acquired him with blood.

31.

32. You have only one slave? Treat him as a brother, since you need him as you need yourself.

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33. If you ill-treat him and he runs away, which way will you go to look for him?

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