1  You should not rejoice in impious children, if they are successful; nor should you take delight in them, if the fear of God is not in them.

1  Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.

2  You should not approve of their life, nor should you look with favor on their labors.

2  Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.

3  For one child who fears God is better than one thousand impious children.

3  Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.

4  And it is better to die without children, than to leave behind impious children.

4  For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.

5  By means one person with understanding, a country will be inhabited. The tribe of the impious will become desolate.

5  Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.

6  Many such things my eyes have seen, and greater things than these my ear has heard.

6  In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.

7  In the synagogue of sinners, a fire will blaze forth; and amid an unbelieving people, wrath will flare up.

7  He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.

8  The giants of antiquity did not obtain pardon for their sins; they were destroyed by trusting in their own abilities.

8  Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride.

9  And he did not spare the place of Lot’s sojourn, and he abhorred them because of the arrogance of their words.

9  He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins

10  He did not take pity on them, destroying an entire people, who even extolled themselves concerning their sins.

10  Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.

11  And this was so with six hundred thousand men, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts. And if even a single obstinate person had escaped unpunished, it would be a wonder.

11  And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.

12  For mercy and wrath are with him. He is powerful in forgiveness, and he pours forth wrath.

12  As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works

13  As is his mercy, so also is his correction; he judges a man according to his works.

13  The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.

14  The sinner, in his violations, will not escape; but the patience of the One who shows mercy will not be diminished.

14  Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.

15  Every mercy will make a place for each man, according to the merit of his works, and according to the understanding of his sojourn.

15  The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.

16  You should not say: “I am hidden from God,” or, “Who, from on high, will take note of me?”

16  His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.

17  or, “Among a great number of people, I will not be noticed. For what is my soul amid such an immense creation?”

17  Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures?

18  Behold: the heavens, and the heaven of the heavens, the abyss, and the entire earth, and the things that are within these, will be shaken by his gaze,

18  Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.

19  together with mountains and hills, and the foundations of the earth. When God casts his gaze upon them, they will be struck with trembling.

19  The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.

20  And concerning all these things, the heart is without understanding; but every heart is understood by him.

20  No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?

21  And who will understand his ways, or the tempest, which no eye of man will see?

21  It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.

22  For many of his works are concealed. But who will announce the works of his justice? Or who will endure them? For the testament is far from some persons, and the examination of each thing is in its end.

22  Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.

23  Whoever diminishes the heart, thinks empty thoughts. For the imprudent and erring man thinks up foolishness.

23  He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.

24  Listen to me, son, and learn the discipline of understanding, and attend to my words in your heart.

24  My son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.

25  And I will speak with equity about discipline, and I will strive to announce wisdom. So attend to my words in your heart, and I will speak with equity of spirit, about the virtues that God has set within his works from the beginning, and I will announce his knowledge in truth.

25  I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.

26  With the judgment of God, his works have been done from the beginning; and from their institution, he himself distinguished their parts and set their beginnings, in their kinds.

26  The works of the Lord are done in judgement from the beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.

27  He has beautified their works unto eternity. They have neither hungered, nor labored, and they have not ceased from their works.

27  He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.

28  Neither will any one of them cause anguish to his neighbor, forever.

28  None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.

29  You should not be incredulous at his word.

30  Afterward, God looked with favor upon the earth, and he filled it with his goodness.

Sir16:29  After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.

31  The soul of every living thing brought word from before his face, and their return again is to him.

Sir16:30  With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.

17:1  God created man from the earth, and he made him according to his own image.

1  The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again.

17:2  And he returned him again to it, and he clothed him with virtue according to himself.

2  He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein.

17:3  He gave him the number and time of his days, and he gave him authority over all the things that are upon the earth.

3  He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to his image,

17:4  He placed the fear of him over all flesh, and he had dominion over wild beasts and flying things.

4  And put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls.

5  They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.

17:5  He created from him a helper, similar to himself. He gave them counsel, and language, and sight, and hearing, and a heart, in order to think. And he filled them with the discipline of understanding.

Sir17:6  Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand.

17:6  He created within them the knowledge of the spirit. He filled their heart with understanding, and he showed them both good and evil.

Sir17:7  Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil.

17:7  He set his eye upon their hearts, to reveal to them the greatness of his works,

17:8  so that they might highly praise the name of sanctification, and give glory to his wonders, so that they might declare the greatness of his works.

Sir17:9  He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with understanding.

17:9  In addition, he gave them discipline and the law of life, as their inheritance.

Sir17:10  And the elect shall praise his holy name.

17:10  He established an eternal covenant with them, and he revealed to them his justice and judgments.

Sir17:11  Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.

17:11  And their eye saw the greatness of his honor, and their ears heard the honor of his voice, and he said to them: “Beware of all iniquity.”

Sir17:12  He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them his judgements.

17:12  And he commanded each one concerning his neighbor.

Sir17:13  Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice.

17:13  Their ways are always in his sight; they are not hidden from his eyes.

Sir17:14  And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.

17:14  Over each and every people, he has appointed a ruler.

Sir17:15  Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes.

17:15  And Israel was made to be the manifest portion of God.

Sir17:16  Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.

17:16  And in the sight of God, all their works are like the sun. And his eyes, without ceasing, inspect their ways.

Sir17:17  For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord’s portion

17:17  The covenants are not hidden by their iniquity, and all their iniquities are in the sight of God.

Sir17:18  Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him.

17:18  The almsgiving of a man is like a seal upon him, which will guard the grace of a man like the pupil of an eye.

Sir17:19  Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.

17:19  And afterward, it will rise up and repay them their reward, each one upon his head, and it will return to the hidden places of the earth.

Sir17:20  None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord

17:20  Now, to the repentant, he has given the way of justice, and he has strengthened those lacking in patience, and he has fastened them to a destiny of truth.

Sir17:21  But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.

17:21  Convert to the Lord, and relinquish your sins.

Sir17:22  The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.

17:22  Make supplication before the face of the Lord, and diminish your offenses.

Sir17:23  Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompence upon their heads.

17:23  Return to the Lord, and turn away from your injustice, and have immense hatred for abomination.

Sir17:24  But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience.

17:24  And acknowledge the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the circumstances set before you and in prayer to the most high God.

Sir17:25  Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before his face, and offend less.

17:25  Go to the side of the holy generation, to those who live in order to give praise to God.

Sir17:26  Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abomination vehemently.

17:26  You should not linger in the error of the impious; confess before death. Confession perishes from the dead as if it were nothing.

Sir17:27  Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks?

17:27  Confess while living; you should give thanks while you are still alive and healthy. And you should praise God and glory in his compassion.

Sir17:28  Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.

17:28  How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness, for those who convert to him!

Sir17:29  How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!

17:29  For not all things can be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, and because they are pleased by the emptiness of malice.

Sir17:30  For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.

17:30  What is brighter than the sun? Yet this will fail. Or what is more wicked than that which flesh and blood has invented? And this will be reproved.

17:31  He beholds the power of the heights of heaven. And all men are earth and ashes.

Sir17:32  He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earth and ashes.

18:2  Who is able to declare his works?

2  The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,

18:3  For who can examine his greatness?

3  Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane.

18:4  And who will announce the power of his magnitude? Or who would be able to describe his mercy?

4  To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who shall find out his noble acts?

18:5  There is no diminishing, and no increasing, and there is no discovering, the greatness of God.

5  Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies?

18:6  When man has reached the end, then he will begin. And when he ceases, he will be in need.

6  As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out.

18:7  What is man, and what is his grace? And what is his good, or what is his evil?

7  When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful.

18:8  The number of the days of men are as many as one hundred years. Like a drop of water in the ocean, so they are considered to be. And like a grain of sand on the shore, so do these few years compare to the days of all time.

8  What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil?

18:9  For this reason, God is patient with them, and he pours forth his mercy upon them.

9  The number of a man’s days at the most are an hundred years.

18:10  He has seen that the presumption of their heart is evil, and he knows that their rebelliousness is wicked.

10  As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.

18:11  Therefore, he has bestowed his forgiveness on them, and he has revealed to them the way of equity.

11  Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.

18:12  The compassion of man is toward those closest to him. But the mercy of God is upon all flesh.

12  He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion.

18:13  He is merciful, and he teaches and corrects, like a shepherd with his flock.

13  The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.

18:14  He takes pity on those who accept the doctrine of compassion, and he applies his judgments promptly.

14  He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgements.

18:15  Son, in your good works, you should not complain, and in giving anything, you should not cause grief with evil words.

15  My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing.

18:16  Is heat not refreshed by the dew? So also is a good word better than a gift.

16  Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than a gift.

18:17  Behold, is a word not greater than a gift? But both are with a justified man.

18:18  The foolish place blame sharply. And a gift from the undisciplined causes the eyes to fail.

18  A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.

18:19  Before you judge, put justice in order within yourself, and before you speak, learn.

19  Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be sick.

18:20  Before you become sick, obtain medicine. And before you judge, examine yourself. And then you will find forgiveness in the sight of God.

20  Before judgement examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.

18:21  Before you become weak, humble yourself; and in a time of infirmity, show your way of life.

21  Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.

18:22  Let nothing impede you from praying always. And then you will not dread to be justified, even unto death. For the reward of God dwells in eternity.

22  Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.

18:23  Before you pray, prepare your soul. And do not choose to be like a man who tempts God.

23  Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.

18:24  Remember the wrath that will be on the day of consummation, and remember the time of retribution, when he will turn away his face.

24  Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.

18:25  Remember poverty in a time of abundance, and remember the deficiency of poverty in a day of riches.

25  When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.

18:26  From morning until evening, the time will be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.

26  From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.

18:27  A wise man will be cautious in all things, and during a time of many offenses, he will be attentive against inaction.

27  A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.

18:28  Anyone who is astute recognizes wisdom, and he will acknowledge anyone who finds it.

28  Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.

18:29  Those who show understanding with words also have acted wisely themselves, and they have understood truth and justice, and they have fulfilled proverbs and judgments.

29  They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.

18:30  You should not go after your desires; instead, turn away from your own will.

30  Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.

18:31  If you offer your desires to your soul, this will cause you to become a joy to your enemies.

31  If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.

18:32  Take no delight in disorderly gatherings, whether large or small. For their commission of offenses is unceasing.

32  Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expense thereof.

18:33  You should not be reduced by the contention of borrowing, even if there is nothing in your purse. For you would be contending against your own life.

33  Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.

19:1  An inebriated worker will not be wealthy. And whoever despises littleness will fall a little at a time.

1  A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.

19:2  Wine and women cause wise men to fall away, and then they will complain against those who understand.

19:3  And whoever joins himself to fornicators will become wicked. Decay and worms will inherit him, and he will be denounced as the greater example, and his soul will be deducted from the number.

3  Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be taken away.

19:4  Whoever is quick to believe has a trivial heart and will be diminished. And whoever offends against his own soul will have even less.

4  He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul.

19:5  Whoever rejoices in iniquity will be condemned. And whoever hates correction will have less in life. But whoever hates excessive talk extinguishes evil.

5  Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.

19:6  Whoever sins against his own soul will be punished. And whoever rejoices in malice will be condemned.

6  He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil.

19:7  You should not repeat a wicked and harsh word, and then you will not be diminished.

7  Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse.

19:8  Do not reveal your mind to friend or foe. And if there is a sin within you, do not disclose it.

8  Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men’s lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.

19:9  For he will listen to you and watch you, and while pretending to defend your sin, he will despise you, and so he will be whenever he is with you.

9  For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee.

19:10  Have you heard a word against your neighbor? Let it die within you, trusting that it will not burst forth from you.

10  If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee.

19:11  Before the face of a word, a foolish man labors, like a woman groaning as she gives birth to a child.

11  A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.

19:12  Like an arrow fixed in the flesh of the thigh, so is a word in the heart of a foolish man.

12  As an arrow that sticketh in a man’s thigh, so is a word within a fool’s belly.

19:13  Correct a friend, though perhaps there was a misunderstanding, and he may say, “I did not do it.” Or, if he did do it, correct him, so that he may not do it again.

13  Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he have done it, that he do it no more.

19:14  Correct your neighbor, for perhaps he did not say it. But if he did say it, correct him, so that he may not say it again.

14  Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again.

19:15  Correct your friend. For often a fault has been committed.

15  Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.

19:16  And do not believe every word. There is one who slips with his word, but not with his heart.

16  There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?

17  Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.

19:17  For who is there who has not offended with his words? Correct your neighbor before you reprimand him.

17  The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted of him, and wisdom obtaineth his love.

18  The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.

19:18  And make a place for the fear of the Most High. For all wisdom is fear of God, and it is wise to fear God, and in all wisdom is the orderly disposition of the law.

18  The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.

19  If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.

19:19  But the discipline of wickedness is not wisdom. And there is no prudence in the thoughts of sinners.

Sir19:20  The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.

19:20  There is a wickedness, and in it there is abomination. And there is a foolish man who has been diminished in wisdom.

19:21  Better is a man who has been diminished in wisdom because his mind is failing, but with the fear of God, than he who abounds in intelligence, but with transgression against the law of the Most High.

Sir19:22  He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.

19:22  There is a certain cleverness, and it is unjust.

Sir19:23  There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turneth aside to make judgement appear; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgement.

19:23  And there is one who utters a careful word, explaining away the truth. There is one who humbles himself wickedly, for his interior is filled with deceit.

Sir19:24  There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,

19:24  And there is one who lowers himself excessively with a great debasement. And there is one who inclines his face downward, and pretends as if he did not see what has not been made known.

Sir19:25  Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.

19:25  And if he is prevented from sinning by a lack of ability, and then finds an opportunity for evildoing, he will do evil.

Sir19:26  And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.

19:26  A man is recognized by his appearances. But when you meet an understanding man, he is recognized by his face.

Sir19:27  A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.

19:27  The clothing of the body, and the laughter of the teeth, and the walk of a man, give a report about him.

Sir19:28  A man’s attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what he is.

19:28  There is a lying correction in the anger of a contemptuous man. And there is a judgment which does not prove to be good. But there is one who is silent, and the same is prudent.

20:2  The lust of an eunuch will deflower a young maiden;

2  It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.

20:3  similar is he who by violence gives an iniquitous judgment.

3  As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgement with violence.

20:4  How good it is, when you are corrected, to show contrition! For in this way, you will escape deliberate sin.

Sir20:3  How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.

20:5  There is one who, by remaining silent, is found to be wise. And there is another who is hateful and who provokes by speaking out.

5  There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.

20:6  There is one who, not having the understanding to speak, remains silent. And there is another who remains silent, knowing the proper time.

6  Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.

20:7  A wise man will remain silent until the proper time. But an unrestrained and imprudent person will not heed the times.

7  A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.

20:8  Whoever uses many words will wound his own soul. And whoever unjustly takes authority upon himself will be hated.

8  He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.

20:9  There is advancement in evil for an undisciplined man, and there is a plan which turns to his detriment.

9  There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.

20:10  There is a gift which is not helpful, and there is a gift, the repayment for which is double.

20:11  There is a loss for the sake of boasting, and there is one who will lift up his head from lowliness.

11  There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.

20:12  There is one who buys much for a small price, and who pays it back sevenfold.

12  There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.

20:13  Anyone wise in words makes himself loved. But the graces of the foolish will be poured away.

13  A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.

20:14  A gift from the unwise will not benefit you. For his gaze is divided, sevenfold.

14  The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.

20:15  He will give little, and reproach much. And the opening of his mouth is like a burning flame.

15  He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.

20:16  There is one who lends today and demands repayment tomorrow. A man such as this is hateful.

20:17  A foolish man will not have a friend, and there will be no thanks for his good deeds.

Sir20:16  The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.

20:18  For those who eat his bread have a false tongue. How often and how many are those who will ridicule him!

Sir20:17+18  How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.

20:19  For what he possesses, he does not distribute with correct understanding. And he acts similarly with what he does not possess.

20:20  The slip of a false tongue is like someone who falls upon pavement. Such a fall for the wicked will arrive quickly.

Sir20:19  To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

20:21  A disagreeable man is like a pointless fable; it will be continually in the mouth of the undisciplined.

Sir20:20  An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.

20:22  A parable from the mouth of a fool will be rejected. For he does not speak it at the proper time.

Sir20:21  A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool’s mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.

20:23  There is one who is prevented from sinning by poverty, and in his rest, he will be vexed.

Sir20:22  There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.

20:24  There is one who will lose his own soul because of pretense, and he will lose it by an example of imprudence. For by seeking the approval of another, he will destroy himself.

Sir20:23  There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.

20:25  There is one who, for the sake of what other’s think, makes a promise to a friend, and so he gains him as an enemy for no reason.

Sir20:24  There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.

20:26  A lie is a wicked disgrace to a man, and yet lies will be continually in the mouths of those without discipline.

Sir20:25  A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.

20:27  A thief is better than a man who constantly lies. But both of them will inherit perdition.

20:28  The habits of lying men are without honor. And their shame is with them without ceasing.

Sir20:27  The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.

20:29  A wise man will benefit himself by his own words, and a prudent man will please the powerful.

Sir20:28  A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men.

20:30  Whoever works his land will raise high a stockpile of grain. And whoever works justice will himself be raised high. Yet truly, whoever pleases the powerful will escape unfair treatment.

Sir20:29  He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.

20:31  Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and silence their mouths, turning them aside from their task of correction.

20:32  Wisdom hidden, and treasure unseen: of what use is either of these?

Sir20:31  Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?

20:33  He who hides his foolishness is better than a man who conceals his wisdom.

32  Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom.

33  Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.

21:1  Son, have you sinned? You should not add further sins. Then too, for your former sins, pray so that they may be forgiven you.

1  My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.

21:2  Flee from sins, as if from the face of a serpent. For if you approach them, they will take hold of you.

2  Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.

21:3  Their teeth are like the teeth of a lion, bringing death to the souls of men.

21:4  All iniquity is like a two-edged spear; there is no healing in its wound.

Sir21:3  All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.

21:5  Reproach and injury will make resources useless. And a house that is exceedingly wealthy will become powerless through pride. In this way, the resources of the arrogant will be eradicated.

Sir21:4  To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.

21:6  Supplications from the mouth of the pauper will reach all the way to the ears of God, and judgment will come to him quickly.

Sir21:5  A prayer out of a poor man’s mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgement cometh speedily.

21:7  Whoever hates correction is walking in the steps of a sinner. But whoever fears God will convert within his heart.

Sir21:6  He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.

21:8  He who has power by means of a bold tongue will be known from far away. But an understanding man knows to slip past him.

Sir21:7  An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.

21:9  Whoever builds his house, paid for by another, is like one who gathers his building stones in winter.

Sir21:8  He that buildeth his house with other men’s money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.

21:10  The synagogue of sinners is like stubble piled up; for the end of them both is a burning fire.

Sir21:9  The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.

21:11  The way of sinners is paved and level, and at their end is hell and darkness and punishments.

Sir21:10  The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.

21:12  Whoever observes justice will obtain an understanding of it.

Sir21:11  He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.

21:13  The consummation of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.

21:14  One who is not wise in goodness will not accept instruction.

12  He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.

13  The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.

21:15  Now there is a wisdom which abounds in evil. But there is no understanding where there is bitterness.

21:16  The knowledge of the wise will increase like a flood, and his counsel will continue like a fountain of life.

21:17  The heart of the foolish is like a broken vessel, for it will not hold any wisdom.

Sir21:14  The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.

21:18  A knowledgeable man will praise any wise word he hears, and he will apply it to himself. The self-indulgent man has heard it, and it displeases him, and so he casts it behind his back.

Sir21:15  If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.

21:19  The talk of the foolish is like a burden on a journey. But in the lips of the understanding, grace will be found.

Sir21:16  The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.

21:20  The mouth of the prudent is sought in the Church, and they will consider his words in their hearts.

Sir21:17  They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.

21:21  Like a house which has been demolished, so is wisdom to the foolish. And the knowledge of the unwise is like meaningless words.

Sir21:18  As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.

21:22  Doctrine to the senseless is like fetters on the feet, and like chains on the right hand.

Sir21:19  Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.

21:23  A foolish man lifts up his voice in laughter. But a wise man will not even laugh quietly to himself.

Sir21:20  A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.

21:24  Doctrine is to the prudent like a gold ornament, and like an armband on the right arm.

Sir21:21  Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.

21:25  The feet of the foolish step easily into his neighbor’s house. But an experienced man will be apprehensive in the presence of the powerful.

Sir21:22  A foolish man’s foot is soon in his neighbour’s house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.

21:26  A senseless man will gaze through a window into the house. But a man who has been well-taught will stand outside.

Sir21:23  A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.

21:27  It is foolish for a man to listen through the door. And a prudent man will be grieved at this disgrace.

Sir21:24  It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.

21:28  The lips of the imprudent will describe senseless things. But the words of the prudent will be weighed on a balance.

Sir21:25  The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.

21:29  The hearts of the foolish are in their mouths. But the mouths of the wise are with their hearts.

Sir21:26  The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.

21:30  Whenever the impious curse the devil, they curse their own soul.

Sir21:27  When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.

21:31  Those who whisper accusations defile their own souls, and they will be hated by all. And whoever abides with them will be hateful. The silent and understanding man will be honored.

Sir21:28  A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.