1  My spirit is pleased with three things; these are approved in the sight of God and men

1  In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.

2  the harmony of brothers, and the love of neighbors, and a husband and wife agreeing well together.

3  My soul hates three kinds of things; and I am greatly distressed over their souls

Sir25:2  Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.

4  an arrogant pauper, a wealthy liar, a foolish and senseless elder.

5  The things that you have not obtained in your youth, how will you find them in your old age?

Sir25:3  If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find any thing in thine age?

6  How beautiful it is for a grey head to have judgment, and for elders to know counsel!

Sir25:4  O how comely a thing is judgement for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel!

7  How beautiful it is for those who are aged to have wisdom, and for those who are honored to have understanding and counsel!

Sir25:5  O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour.

8  Great experience is the crown of the aged, and the fear of God is their glory.

Sir25:6  Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.

9  I have magnified nine things, overlooked by the heart; and a tenth, I will declare to men with my tongue

Sir25:7  There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy

10  a man who finds joy in his children, and one who lives to see the undoing of his enemies.

11  Blessed is he who lives with a wise wife, and he who has not slipped with his tongue, and he who has not served those unworthy of himself.

Sir25:8  Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself

12  Blessed is he who finds a true friend, and he who describes justice to an attentive ear.

Sir25:9  Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear

13  How great is he who finds wisdom and knowledge! But there is no one above him who fears the Lord.

Sir25:10  O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.

14  The fear of God has set itself above all things.

Sir25:11  But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?

15  Blessed is the man to whom it has been given to have the fear of God. He who holds to it, to whom can he be compared?

16  The fear of God is the beginning of his love; and the beginning of faith has been joined closely to the same.

Sir25:12  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.

17  The sadness of the heart is every wound. And the wickedness of a wife is every malice.

18  And a man will choose any wound, but the wound of the heart,

19  and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a wife,

Sir25:13  Give me any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman

20  and any obstacle, but the obstacle of those who hate him,

21  and any vindication, but the vindication of his enemies.

Sir25:14  And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.

22  There is no head worse than the head of a serpent,

Sir25:15  There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.

23  and there is no anger above the anger of a wife. It would be more agreeable to abide with a lion or a dragon, than to live with a wicked wife.

Sir25:16  I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.

24  A wicked wife changes her face. And she darkens her countenance like a bear. And she displays it like sackcloth. In the midst of her neighbors,

Sir25:17  The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.

25  her husband groans, and hearing of this, he sighs a little.

Sir25:18  Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.

26  All malice is brief compared to the malice of a wife. Let the fate of sinners fall upon her!

Sir25:19  All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.

27  As climbing over sand is to the feet of the aged, so is a talkative wife to a quiet man.

Sir25:20  As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.

28  You should not favor a woman’s beauty, and you should not desire a wife for her beauty.

Sir25:21  Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.

29  The anger and disrespect and shame from a wife can be great.

30  The wife, if she has primacy, is set against her husband.

Sir25:22  A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach.

31  A wicked wife debases the heart, and saddens the face, and wounds the heart.

Sir25:23  A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.

32  A wife who does not make her husband happy enfeebles the hands and weakens the knees.

33  The beginning of sin came from a woman; and through her, we all die.

Sir25:24  Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.

34  You should not provide an exit to your water, not even a little; nor should you give permission for a wicked wife to exceed the limit.

Sir25:25  Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.

35  If she will not walk at your hand, she will confound you in the sight of your enemies.

Sir25:26  If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.

36  Tear her away from your body, lest she abuse you continually.

26:1  Blessed is the husband of a good wife. For the number of his years is doubled.

26:2  A good wife delights her husband, and she will fill up the years of his life with peace.

2  A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.

26:3  A good wife is a good portion. She will be given the portion of those who fear God, like a man who has done good deeds.

26:4  But, rich or poor, with a good heart, his countenance will be cheerful at all times.

4  Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.

26:5  Of three things, my heart has been afraid, and at a fourth, my face has shown dread

5  There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.

26:6  an accusation made by a city, and the gathering of a mob,

6  But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.

26:7  and a deceitful false accusation. All these are more grievous than death.

7  An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.

26:8  A jealous wife is a grief and a mourning to the heart.

8  A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.

26:9  In a jealous wife, there is a scourge of the tongue, which communicates with everyone.

9  The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.

26:10  Like a yoke of oxen being provoked, so also is a wicked wife. He who has hold of her is like one who has taken hold of a scorpion.

10  If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.

26:11  An inebriated wife is a great wrath. And her disgrace and indecency will not be covered.

11  Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.

26:12  The fornication of a wife will become known by the haughtiness of her eyes and by her eyelids.

12  She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.

26:13  So that her daughter will not also turn away, keep a strict watch; otherwise, having found an opportunity, she may enjoy herself.

13  The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.

26:14  Be wary of the irreverence of her eyes, and you should not wonder if she might disregard you.

14  A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.

26:15  Like a thirsty traveler, she will open her mouth to the fountain, and she will drink from every water nearby, and she will sit down beside every fencepost, and she will open her quiver to every arrow, until she becomes weary.

15  A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.

26:16  The grace of an attentive wife will delight her husband, and will fatten his bones.

16  As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.

26:17  Her discipline is a gift from God.

17  As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.

26:18  Such is an understanding and quiet wife. For there is no substitution for a well-instructed soul.

18  As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.

26:19  A holy and contrite wife is grace upon grace.

19  My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy strength to strangers.

26:20  And no amount of money is equal to the value of a soul with self-restraint.

20  When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.

26:21  Like the sun rising over the world in the high places of God, so the beauty of a good wife is the adornment of her house.

21  So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.

26:22  Like a lamp shining atop a holy lampstand, so is the beauty of a face in the mature stage of life.

22  An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.

26:23  Like golden pillars upon bases of silver, so are the firm feet of a mature wife upon the soles of her feet.

23  A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.

26:24  Like everlasting foundations upon a solid rock, so are the commandments of God in the heart of a holy wife.

24  A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.

26:25  By two things, my heart is greatly saddened, and at a third, anger overwhelms me

25  A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.

26:26  a man of war failing because of dire need, and an understanding man treated with contempt,

26  A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.

26:27  and anyone who crosses over from justice to sin. God has prepared such a one for the spear.

27  A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.

26:28  Two kinds of things have seemed difficult and dangerous to me: a merchant will not be easily freed from his negligence, and a shopkeeper will not be justified by the sins of his lips.

28  There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.

29  A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.

27:2  Like a post fixed in the middle of adjoining stones, so also will sin become wedged between selling and buying.

2  As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.

27:3  Sin will be crushed with the one who sins.

27:4  If you do not hold yourself steadfastly to the fear of the Lord, your house will be quickly overthrown.

Sir27:3  Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.

27:5  Just as the dust remains when one shakes a sieve, so will the doubt of a man remain in his thoughts.

Sir27:4  As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so the filth of man in his talk.

27:6  The furnace tests the potter’s vessels, and the trial of the tribulation tests just men.

Sir27:5  The furnace proveth the potter’s vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.

27:7  As the pruning of a tree reveals its fruit, so does a word reveal the thoughts in the heart of a man.

Sir27:6  The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.

27:8  You should not praise a man before he speaks; for such is the testing of men.

Sir27:7  Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.

27:9  If you pursue justice, you will obtain it. And you will be clothed with justice, as with a long robe of honor. And you will live with justice. And justice will protect you continually. And on the day of reckoning, you will find a strong foundation.

Sir27:8  If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.

27:10  Birds flock to their own kind. And truth will return to those who practice it.

Sir27:9  The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her.

27:11  The lion lies in wait for its prey continually. So also do sins lie in wait for those who work iniquity.

Sir27:10  As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity.

27:12  A holy man persists in wisdom like the sun. But a senseless man changes like the moon.

Sir27:11  The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon.

27:13  In the midst of the senseless, retain a word for the proper time. But be continually in the midst those who are thoughtful.

Sir27:12  If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding.

27:14  The discussions of sinners are hateful, and their laughter is a delight in sin.

Sir27:13  The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.

27:15  The speech that swears many oaths will cause the hair of the head to stand upright; and its irreverence will cause the ears to be blocked.

Sir27:14  The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.

27:16  The shedding of blood is in the quarrels of the arrogant; and their evil talk is grievous to hear.

Sir27:15  The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.

27:17  Whoever discloses the secret of a friend breaks faith; and he will not find a friend for his soul.

Sir27:16  Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.

27:18  Love your neighbor, and be united with him faithfully.

Sir27:17  Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.

27:19  But if you disclose his secrets, you should not continue to follow after him.

27:20  For like a man who destroys his friend, so also is he who destroys the friendship of his neighbor.

Sir27:18  For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour.

27:21  And like someone releasing a bird from his hand, so have you abandoned your neighbor, and you will not obtain him again.

Sir27:19  As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again

27:22  You should no longer seek him, for he is now far away; he has fled like a roe-deer from a snare. For his soul has been wounded.

Sir27:20  Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.

27:23  You will no longer be able to bind his wound. For there may be a reconciliation from cursing.

Sir27:21  As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.

27:24  But to disclose the secrets of a friend is the hopeless act of an unhappy soul.

27:25  One who winks with the eye fabricates iniquity, and no one will cast him aside.

Sir27:22  He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.

27:26  In the sight of your eyes, he will sweeten his mouth, and he will admire your talk. But at the very end, he will pervert his mouth, and he will offer a scandal from your own words.

Sir27:23  When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.

27:27  I have hated many things, but I have not done as he has done, and the Lord will hate him.

27:28  Whoever throws a stone straight up will find that it falls on his own head. And a deceitful wound will return to wound the deceitful.

Sir27:25  Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.

27:29  And whoever digs a pit will fall into it. And whoever positions a stone against his neighbor will stumble over it. And whoever lays a trap for another will perish by it.

Sir27:26  Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.

27:30  Whoever sets in motion a wicked plan will find that it rolls back over him, and he will not know from which direction it will arrive.

Sir27:27  He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh.

27:31  Mockery and derision are of the arrogant, and vengeance will lie in wait for them, like a lion.

Sir27:28  Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.

27:32  Whoever enjoys the fall of the just will perish in a snare, and grief will consume them before they die.

Sir27:29  They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.

27:33  Anger and fury are both abominable, and the sinful man will be held by them.

Sir27:30  Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.

28:1  Whoever wishes for vengeance will find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely be attentive to his sins.

1  He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance.

28:2  Forgive your neighbor, if he has harmed you, and then your sins will be forgiven you when you pray.

2  Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.

28:3  A man holds on to anger against another man, and does he then seek a remedy from God?

3  One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?

28:4  He has no mercy on a man like himself, and does he then entreat for his own sins?

4  He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins?

28:5  He who is but flesh holds on to anger, and does he then request forgiveness from God? Who can obtain pardon for his sins in this way?

5  If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?

28:6  Remember your very end, and let animosities cease.

28:7  For corruption and death are suspended over his commandments.

28:8  Remember the fear of God, and do not be angry with your neighbor.

Sir28:6  Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; remember corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.

28:9  Remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the ignorant offenses of your neighbor.

Sir28:7  Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: remember the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.

28:10  Refrain from strife, and you will diminish your sins.

Sir28:8  Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife,

28:11  For a ill-tempered man enflames conflict, and a sinful man troubles his friends, and he casts hostility into the midst of those who have peace.

Sir28:9  A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.

28:12  For the fire burns according to the wood of the forest. And the anger of a man burns according to the strength of the man. And according to his resources, he will exalt his anger.

Sir28:10  As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man’s strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.

28:13  A hasty contention kindles a fire. And a hasty quarrel sheds blood. And an accusatory tongue brings death.

Sir28:11  An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.

28:14  If you blow on a spark, it will increase to a fire. But if you spit on it, it will be extinguished. Both of these proceed from the mouth.

Sir28:12  If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.

28:15  The double-tongued whisperer is accursed. For he has disturbed many who had peace.

Sir28:13  Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.

28:16  A third tongue has stirred up many, and has scattered them from nation to nation.

28:17  It has destroyed the walled cities of the wealthy, and has undermined the houses of the great.

28:18  It has cut down the virtues of the peoples, and has broken strong nations.

Sir28:14  A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.

28:19  A third tongue has cast down virtuous women, and has deprived them of their labors.

Sir28:15  A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.

28:20  Whoever favors it will not have rest, nor will he have a friend in whom he may find peace.

Sir28:16  Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.

28:21  The wound of a whip causes a bruise, but the wound of the tongue will crush the bones.

Sir28:17  The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.

28:22  Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue.

28:23  Blessed is he who is protected from a wicked tongue, who has not gone over to its wrath, and has not pulled its yoke, and has not been bound by its chains.

Sir28:19  Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.

28:24  For its yoke is a yoke of iron. And its chains are chains of brass.

Sir28:20  For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.

28:25  Its death is a most wicked death. And hell is more useful than it is.

Sir28:21  The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.

28:26  Its continuance will not be permanent, but it will take hold of the ways of the unjust. And the just will not be burned by its flame.

Sir28:22  It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.

28:27  Those who abandon God will fall by it, and it will burn within them and not be quenched. And it will be sent upon them, like a lion, and it will wound them, like a leopard.

Sir28:23  Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.

28:28  Hedge your ears with thorns. Do not be willing to listen to a wicked tongue. And make doors and bars for your mouth.

Sir28:24  Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold,

28:29  Melt down your gold and your silver. And make a scale for your words, and an upright bridle for your mouth.

Sir28:25  And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth.

28:30  And be attentive, lest perhaps you may slip with your tongue, and fall in the sight of your enemies, who are lying in wait for you, and then your fall may be incurable unto death.

Sir28:26  Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.

29:1  He shows mercy who lends to his neighbor, for he keeps the commandments by strengthening him.

1  He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.

29:2  Lend to your neighbor in his time of need, and receive it again from your neighbor in his time.

2  Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.

29:3  Keep your word, and act faithfully with him, and then you will find whatever you need in every time.

3  Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.

29:4  Many have treated a loan like found money, and they offered trouble to those who helped them.

4  Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.

29:5  Until they receive, they kiss the hands of the giver, and they humble their voice in promises.

5  Till he hath received, he will kiss a man’s hand; and for his neighbour’s money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.

29:6  But at the time of repayment, they will ask for more time, and they will speak annoying and complaining words, and they will make excuses for the time.

29:7  Then, if he is able to repay, he will turn away. He will pay barely one half, and he will consider it as if he had found it.

Sir29:6  If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.

29:8  But if not, then he will defraud him of his money, and he will have him as an enemy without cause.

29:9  And he will repay him with accusations and curses, and he will repay him with contempt, instead of with honor and kindness.

29:10  Many have refused to lend, not because of wickedness, but because they were afraid to be defrauded without cause.

Sir29:7  Many therefore have refused to lend for other men’s ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.

29:11  Yet truly, be more steadfast toward the humble, and you should not delay in acts of mercy toward them.

Sir29:8  Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.

29:12  Assist the poor because of the commandment. And you should not send him away empty because of his dire need.

Sir29:9  Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.

29:13  Lose your money to your brother and your friend. For you should not hide it under a stone to be lost.

Sir29:10  Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.

29:14  Let your treasure be in the precepts of the Most High, and it will benefit you more than gold.

Sir29:11  Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.

29:15  Store your alms in the hearts of the poor, and it will obtain help for you against all evil.

Sir29:12  Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.

29:16  Better than the shield or the lance of a powerful man,

29:17  it will fight for you against your enemy.

Sir29:13  It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.

29:18  A good man offers credit for the sake of his neighbor. But one who abandons him to himself will perish in shame.

Sir29:14  An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.

29:19  You should not forget the kindness of your benefactor. For he has offered his life on your behalf.

Sir29:15  Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.

29:20  The sinner and the unclean flee from such promises.

29:21  A sinner attributes to himself the goods of his loan. And an ungrateful mind will abandon the one who has freed him.

Sir29:16  A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety

29:22  A man offers credit to his neighbor. But when he will have lost respect, he will abandon him.

Sir29:17  And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him in danger that delivered him.

29:23  A wicked promise has destroyed many who had good intentions, and has tossed them like a wave on the ocean.

Sir29:18  Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.

29:24  It has caused powerful men to travel around, and they have wandered amid foreign nations.

29:25  A sinner transgressing the commandment of the Lord will fall into a wicked promise. And he who undertakes many things will fall into judgment.

Sir29:19  A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men’s business for gain shall fall into suits.

29:26  Help your neighbor to recover according to your ability, but attend to yourself, lest you also fall.

Sir29:20  Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.

29:27  The primary need in a man’s life is water and bread, and clothing, and a house to protect modesty.

Sir29:21  The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.

29:28  A pauper’s food under a roof of boards is better than a splendid feast on a sojourn away from home.

Sir29:22  Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man’s house.

29:29  Let yourself be pleased with little instead of much, and you will not hear the reproach of being away from home.

Sir29:23  Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.

29:30  It is a wicked life to go from house to house as a guest. For wherever he is a guest, he will not act confidently, nor open his mouth.

Sir29:24  For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.

29:31  He will entertain, and feed, and give drink to the ungrateful, and beyond this, he will listen to bitter words

Sir29:25  Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words

29:32  “Go, my guest, and set the table, and let others eat from what you have in your hand.”

Sir29:26  Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.

29:33  “Depart from the honored face of my friends. For it has become necessary for my house to host my brother instead.”

Sir29:27  Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.

29:34  These things are grievous to a man having understanding: to take advantage of a household, and to reproach a lender.

30:1  He who loves his son will frequently chastise him, so that he may be happy in the very end, and not grope for the doors of his neighbors.

1  He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.

30:2  He who instructs his son will be praised over him and will glory in him, in the midst of his household.

2  He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.

30:3  He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends, he will glory in him.

3  He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.

30:4  When his father has died, it will be as if he were not dead. For he will have left behind someone who is like himself.

4  Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.

30:5  In his life, he saw him and rejoiced in him. And at his passing, he was not sorrowful, nor was he confounded in the sight of his enemies.

5  While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.

30:6  For he left behind himself a defender of his house against his enemies, and someone who will repay his friends with kindness.

6  He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.

30:7  For the sake of the souls of his sons, he will bind up his wounds, and at every voice, his gut will be stirred up.

7  He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.

30:8  An untamed horse becomes stubborn, and a child left to himself becomes headstrong.

8  An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.

30:9  Coddle a son, and he will make you afraid. Play with him, and he will make you sorrowful.

9  Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.

30:10  You should not laugh with him; otherwise you may have grief, and in the end, your teeth be clenched.

10  Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.

30:11  You should not give him power in his youth, but you should not despise his thoughts.

11  Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

30:12  Bow down his neck in his youth, and slap his sides while he is a child, lest perhaps he may become stubborn, and then he will not trust you, and so he will bring sorrow to your soul.

30:13  Instruct your son, and work with him, lest you give offense by his shameful behavior.

13  Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.

30:14  Better is a healthy pauper with a strong constitution, than a wealthy man who is weak and afflicted by maladies.

14  Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.

30:15  A healthy soul with the sanctity of justice is better than all the gold and silver. And a sound body is better than immense revenues.

15  Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.

30:16  There is no revenue above the revenue of a healthy body. And there is no delight above a joyful heart.

16  There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart. I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.

30:17  Death is better than a bitter life. And eternal rest is better than continual sickness.

30:18  Good things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a grave.

18  Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave. Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.

30:19  What benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smell.

19  What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord. Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.

30:20  So is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquity.

30:21  He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs.

Sir30:20  He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth. As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.

30:22  You should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counsel.

Sir30:21  Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel. For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.

30:23  The gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of life.

30:24  Take pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourself.

Sir30:23  Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein. In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.

30:25  For sadness has killed many, and there is no usefulness in it.

30:26  Envy and anger will diminish your days, and pensiveness will bring old age before its time.

Sir30:24  Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time. At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance. Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.

30:27  A cheerful and good heart is like a feast. And its feasts are formed by diligence.

31:1  Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep.

Sir31:Sir34:1  Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep.

31:2  Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober.

Sir31:Sir34:2  Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep,

31:3  The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods.

Sir31:Sir34:3  The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.

31:4  The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need.

Sir31:Sir34:4  The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth off, he is still needy.

31:5  Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it.

Sir31:Sir34:5  He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.

31:6  Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty.

Sir31:Sir34:6  Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.

31:7  Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it.

Sir31:Sir34:7  It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.

31:8  Blessed is the rich man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasures.

Sir31:Sir34:8  Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.

31:9  Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life.

Sir31:Sir34:9  Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.

31:10  He has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evil.

Sir31:Sir34:10  Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?

31:11  Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving.

Sir31:Sir34:11  His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.

31:12  Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first.

13  You should not speak in this way: “There are many things that are upon it.”

Sir31:Sir34:12  If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on it.

31:13  Remember that a wicked eye is evil.

14  What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face.

31:14  You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed.

15  You should not press forward at a feast.

Sir31:Sir34:14  Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.

31:15  Understand which things are your neighbor’s and not your own.

Sir31:Sir34:15  Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.

31:16  Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated.

Sir31:Sir34:16  Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour not, lest thou be hated.

31:17  Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend.

Sir31:Sir34:17  Leave off first for manners’ sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.

31:18  And if you sit in the midst of many, you should not extend your hand before they do, and you should not be the first to ask for a drink.

Sir31:Sir34:18  When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.

31:19  How sufficient is a little wine for a well-taught man! For in sleep, you will not labor because of it, and you will not feel pain.

Sir31:Sir34:19  A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.

31:20  Worry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate man.

21  A healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with him.

Sir31:Sir34:20  Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.

31:21  And if you have been coaxed into eating too much, rise up, go outside, and vomit. And it will refresh you, and you will not bring sickness upon your body.

Sir31:Sir34:21  And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.

31:22  Listen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my words.

Sir31:Sir34:22  My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.

31:23  In all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall you.

31:24  The lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithful.

Sir31:Sir34:23  Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.

31:25  The city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is true.

Sir31:Sir34:24  But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.

31:26  Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many.

Sir31:Sir34:25  Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.

31:27  Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant.

Sir31:Sir34:26  The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkenness.

31:28  Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober.

Sir31:Sir34:27  Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.

31:29  What is life to him who is diminished by wine?

31:30  What can cheat him of his life? Death.

31:31  From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation.

31:32  Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart.

Sir31:Sir34:28  Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the mind

31:33  Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body.

31:34  Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin.

Sir31:Sir34:29  But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.

31:35  Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul.

31:36  The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds.

Sir31:Sir34:30  Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.

31:37  You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness.

Sir31:Sir34:31  Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him to drink.

31:38  You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests.