Ecclesiasticus, 7

1. Do no evil, and evil will not befall you;

1. and do not become an enemy instead of a friend; for a bad name incurs shame and reproach: so fares the double-tongued sinner.

2. shun wrong, and it will avoid you.

2. Do not exalt yourself through your soul's counsel, lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull.

3. My child, do not sow in the furrows of wickedness, for fear you have to reap them seven times over.

3. You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and will be left like a withered tree.

4. Do not ask the Lord for the highest place, or the king for a seat of honour.

4. An evil soul will destroy him who has it, and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.

5. Do not parade your uprightness before the Lord, or your wisdom before the king.

5. A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.

6. Do not scheme to be appointed judge, for fear you should not be strong enough to stamp out injustice, for fear of being swayed by someone influential and so of risking the loss of your integrity.

6. Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand.

7. Do not wrong the general body of citizens and so lower yourself in popular esteem.

7. When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily.

8. Do not be drawn to sin twice over, for you will not go unpunished even once.

8. For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

9. Do not say, 'God will be impressed by my numerous offerings; when I sacrifice to God Most High, he is bound to accept.'

9. And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.

10. Do not be hesitant in prayer; do not neglect to give alms.

10. And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

11. Do not laugh at someone who is sad of heart, for he who brings low can lift up high.

11. In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants;

12. Do not make up lies against your brother, nor against a friend either.

12. but if you are brought low he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your presence.

13. Mind you tell no lies, for no good can come of it.

13. Keep yourself far from your enemies, and be on guard toward your friends.

14. Do not talk too much at the gathering of elders, and do not repeat yourself at your prayers.

14. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure.

15. Do not shirk tiring jobs or farm work, ordained by the Most High.

15. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence.

16. Do not swell the ranks of sinners, remember that the retribution will not delay.

16. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him.

17. Be very humble, since the recompense for the godless is fire and worms.

17. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also.

18. Do not barter a friend away for the sake of profit, nor a true brother for the gold of Ophir.

18. My son, from your youth up choose instruction, and until you are old you will keep finding wisdom.

19. Do not turn against a wise and good wife; her gracious presence is worth more than gold.

19. Come to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good harvest. For in her service you will toil a little while, and soon you will eat of her produce.

20. Do not ill-treat a slave who is an honest worker, or a wage-earner who is devoted to you.

20. She seems very harsh to the uninstructed; a weakling will not remain with her.

21. Love an intelligent slave with all your heart, and do not deny such a slave his freedom.

21. She will weigh him down like a heavy testing stone, and he will not be slow to cast her off.

22. Have you cattle? Look after them; if they are making you a profit, keep them.

22. For wisdom is like her name, and is not manifest to many.

23. Have you children? Educate them, from childhood make them bow the neck.

23. Listen, my son, and accept my judgment; do not reject my counsel.

24. Have you daughters? Take care of their bodies, but do not be over-indulgent.

24. Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar.

25. Marry a daughter off, and you have finished a great work; but give her to a man of sense.

25. Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not fret under her bonds.

26. Have you a wife to your liking? Do not turn her out; but if you do not love her, never trust her.

26. Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might.

27. With all your heart honour your father, never forget the birthpangs of your mother.

27. Search out and seek, and she will become known to you; and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.

28. Remember that you owe your birth to them; how can you repay them for what they have done for you?

28. For at last you will find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you.

29. With all your soul, fear the Lord and revere his priests.

29. Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection, and her collar a glorious robe.

30. With all your might love him who made you, and do not abandon his ministers.

30. Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds are a cord of blue.

31. Fear the Lord and honour the priest and give him the portion enjoined on you: first-fruits, sacrifice of reparation, shoulder-gift, sanctification sacrifice, first-fruits of the holy things.

31. You will wear her like a glorious robe, and put her on like a crown of gladness.

32. And also give generously to the poor, so that your blessing may lack nothing.

32. If you are willing, my son, you will be taught, and if you apply yourself you will become clever.

33. Let your generosity extend to all the living, do not withhold it even from the dead.

33. If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you incline your ear you will become wise.

34. Do not turn your back on those who weep, but share the grief of the grief-stricken.

34. Stand in the assembly of the elders. Who is wise? Cleave to him.

35. Do not shrink from visiting the sick; in this way you will make yourself loved.

35. Be ready to listen to every narrative, and do not let wise proverbs escape you.

36. In everything you do, remember your end, and you will never sin.

36. If you see an intelligent man, visit him early; let your foot wear out his doorstep.

37.

37. Reflect on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his commandments. It is he who will give insight to your mind, and your desire for wisdom will be granted.