Eclesiástico, 5

1. En tus riquezas no te apoyes ni digas: «Tengo bastante con ellas.»

1. My son, deprive not the poor of his living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.

2. No te dejes arrastrar por tu deseo y tu fuerza para seguir la pasión de tu corazón.

2. Do not grieve the one who is hungry, nor anger a man in want.

3. No digas: «¿Quién me domina a mí?», porque el Señor cierto que te castigará.

3. Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar.

4. No digas: «Pequé, y ¿qué me ha pasado?», porque el Señor es paciente.

4. Do not reject an afflicted suppliant, nor turn your face away from the poor.

5. Del perdón no te sientas tan seguro que acumules pecado tras pecado.

5. Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you;

6. No digas: «Su compasión es grande, él me perdonará la multitud de mis pecados.» Porque en él hay misericordia, pero también hay cólera, y en los pecadores se desahoga su furor.

6. for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer.

7. No te tardes en volver al Señor, no lo difieras de un día para otro, pues de pronto salta la ira del Señor, y perecerás al tiempo del castigo.

7. Make yourself beloved in the congregation; bow your head low to a great man.

8. No te apoyes en riquezas injustas, que de nada te servirán el día de la adversidad.

8. Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gently.

9. No avientes a cualquier viento, ni vayas por cualquier senda, (así hace el pecador de lengua doble).

9. Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer; and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.

10. Manténte firme en tu pensamiento, y sea una tu palabra.

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. Sé pronto en escuchar, y tardo en responder.

11. Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her.

12. Si sabes alguna cosa, a tu prójimo responde, si no, pon tu mano en la boca.

12. Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.

13. Gloria y deshonra caben en el hablar, y en la lengua del hombre está su ruina.

13. Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory, and the Lord will bless the place she enters.

14. Que no se te llame maldiciente, no pongas lazos con tu lengua, que sobre el ladrón cae la vergüenza, y dura condenación sobre la lengua doble.

14. Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her.

15. Ni en lo grande ni en lo pequeño yerres, ni de amigo te vuelvas enemigo.

15. He who obeys her will judge the nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure.

16.

16. If he has faith in her he will obtain her; and his descendants will remain in possession of her.

17.

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.