Liber Ecclesiasticus, 5
1. Ne innitaris possessionibus tuis et ne dixeris: “Est mihi sufficiens vita”.
1. My son, deprive not the poor of his living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
2. Ne sequaris fortitudinem tuam, ut ambules in concupiscentiis cordis tui,
2. Do not grieve the one who is hungry, nor anger a man in want.
3. et ne dixeris: “Quis praevalebit in me?” aut “Quis me subiciet propter facta mea?”. Deus enim vindicans vindicabit.
3. Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar.
4. Ne dixeris: “Peccavi, et quid mihi accidit triste?”. Altissimus enim est patiens redditor.
4. Do not reject an afflicted suppliant, nor turn your face away from the poor.
5. De propitiato peccato noli esse sine metu neque adicias peccatum super peccatum
5. Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you;
6. et ne dicas: “Miseratio Domini magna est, multitudinis peccatorum meorum miserebitur”;
6. for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer.
7. misericordia enim et ira ab illo cito proximant, et super peccatores requiescit ira illius.
7. Make yourself beloved in the congregation; bow your head low to a great man.
8. Non tardes converti ad Dominum et ne differas de die in diem.
8. Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gently.
9. Subito enim veniet ira illius, et in tempore vindictae abripieris.
9. Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer; and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
10. Ne innitaris divitiis iniustis, nihil enim proderunt in die calamitatis.
10. Be like a father to orphans, and instead of a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.
11. Non ventiles in omnem ventum et non eas in omnem viam; sic enim omnis peccator probatur in duplici lingua.
11. Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her.
12. Esto firmus in sensu tuo et in veritate sensus tui et scientia; et prosequatur te verbum pacis et iustitiae.
12. Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.
13. Esto velox ad audiendum verbum, ut intellegas et cum tarditate proferas responsum.
13. Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory, and the Lord will bless the place she enters.
14. Si est tibi intellectus, responde proximo; sin autem, sit manus tua super os tuum, ne capiaris in verbo indisciplinato et confundaris.
14. Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her.
15. Honor et ignominia in sermone; lingua vero homini subversio est ipsius.
15. He who obeys her will judge the nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure.
16. Non appelleris susurro, et lingua tua ne calumnieris.
16. If he has faith in her he will obtain her; and his descendants will remain in possession of her.
17. Super furem enim est confusio, et denotatio pessima super bilinguem, susurratori autem odium et inimicitia et contumelia.
17. For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths, she will bring fear and cowardice upon him, and will torment him by her discipline until she trusts him, and she will test him with her ordinances.
18.
18. Then she will come straight back to him and gladden him, and will reveal her secrets to him.
19.
19. If he goes astray she will forsake him, and hand him over to his ruin.
20.
20. Observe the right time, and beware of evil; and do not bring shame on yourself.
21.
21. For there is a shame which brings sin, and there is a shame which is glory and favor.
22.
22. Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall.
23.
23. Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time, and do not hide your wisdom.
24.
24. For wisdom is known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue.
25.
25. Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance.
26.
26. Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27.
27. Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow, nor show partiality to a ruler.
28.
28. Strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you.
29.
29. Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
30.
30. Do not be like a lion in your home, nor be a faultfinder with your servants.
31.
31. Let not your hand be extended to receive, but withdrawn when it is time to repay.
