Ecclesiasticus, 5

1. Do not put your confidence in your money or say, 'With this I am self-sufficient.'

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

2. Do not be led by your appetites and energy to follow the passions of your heart.

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

3. And do not say, 'Who has authority over me?' for the Lord will certainly give you your deserts.

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

4. Do not say, 'I have sinned, but what harm has befallen me?' for the Lord's forbearance is long.

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

5. Do not be so sure of forgiveness that you add sin to sin.

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

6. And do not say, 'His compassion is great, he will forgive me my many sins'; for with him are both mercy and retribution, and his anger does not pass from sinners.

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

7. Do not delay your return to the Lord, do not put it off day after day; for suddenly the Lord's wrath will blaze out, and on the day of punishment you will be utterly destroyed.

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

8. Do not set your heart on ill-gotten gains, they will be of no use to you on the day of disaster.

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

9. Do not winnow in every wind, or walk along every by-way (as the double-talking sinner does).

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

10. Be steady in your convictions, and be a person of your word.

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. Be quick to listen, and deliberate in giving an answer.

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

12. If you understand the matter, give your neighbour an answer, if not, keep your hand over your mouth.

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

13. Both honour and disgrace come from talking, the tongue is its owner's downfall.

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

14. Do not get a name for scandal-mongering, do not set traps with your tongue; for as shame lies in store for the thief, so harsh condemnation awaits the deceitful.

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

15. Avoid offences in great as in small matters, and do not exchange friendship for enmity,

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.