1  A wise judge will judge his people, and the leadership of an understanding man will be steadfast.

2  As the judge of the people is, so also are his assistants. And whatever kind of man the ruler of a city is, of such a kind also are those who live in it.

3  A foolish king will be the ruin of his people. For cities will be inhabited through the understanding of those with power.

3  An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited.

4  Power over the earth is in the hand of God, and, in due time, he will raise up a helpful leader over the earth.

4  The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable.

5  The prosperity of a man is in the hand of God, and he will place his honor above the face of the scribe.

5  In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.

6  You should forget all injury done to you by your neighbor, and you should do nothing among the works of injury.

6  Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do nothing at all by injurious practices.

7  Arrogance is hateful in the sight of God and of men. And all iniquity among the nations is abominable.

7  Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.

8  A kingdom is transferred from one people to another because of injustices, and injuries, and contempt, and every kind of deceit.

8  Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.

9  But nothing is more wicked than a greedy man. Why should that which is earth and ashes be arrogant?

9  Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.

10  There is nothing more iniquitous than to love money. For such a one has sold even his own soul. For in his life, he casts aside his innermost being.

11  All power is of short life. A prolonged sickness is of grave concern to a physician.

12  A physician causes a sickness to be shortened. So also, a king is here today, and tomorrow he will die.

Sir10:10  The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to day a king to morrow shall die.

13  For when a man dies, he will inherit serpents, and wild beasts, and worms.

14  The beginning of the arrogance of man is apostasy from God.

Sir10:12  The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his Maker.

15  For his heart has withdrawn from the One who made him. For arrogance is the beginning of all sin. Whoever holds to it, will be filled with evil words, and it will overthrow him in the end.

Sir10:13  For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.

16  Because of this, the Lord has dishonored the gatherings of the evil, and he has destroyed them, even unto the end.

17  God has destroyed the seats of arrogant leaders, and he has caused the meek to be seated in their place.

Sir10:14  The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set up the meek in their stead.

18  The roots of arrogant nations, God has dried up, and the humble among these nations, he has planted.

Sir10:15  The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place.

19  The Lord has overthrown the lands of the Gentiles, and he has utterly destroyed them, even to their foundation.

Sir10:16  The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed them to the foundations of the earth.

20  He has dried up some of them, and he has utterly destroyed them, and he has caused their memory to depart from the earth.

Sir10:17  He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth.

21  God has abolished the memory of the arrogant, and he has left behind only the memory of those who are humble in mind.

Sir10:18  Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that are born of a woman.

22  Arrogance was not created for men, nor was an angry temperament created for the gender of women.

Sir10:19  They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed.

23  Those who fear God among the offspring of men will be honored. But those among the offspring who ignore the commandments of the Lord will be dishonored.

Sir10:20  Among brethren he that is chief is honourably; so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes.

24  In the midst of his brothers, a ruler has honor. And those who fear the Lord will have honor in his eyes.

Sir10:21  The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.

25  The fear of God is the glory of the wealthy, and of the honorable, and of the poor.

Sir10:22  Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.

26  Do not choose to despise a just man who is poor, and do not choose to magnify a sinful man who is rich.

Sir10:23  It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man.

27  The great man, and the judge, and the powerful have honor. But no one is greater than he who fears God.

Sir10:24  Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.

28  Those who are free will serve an understanding servant. And a prudent and disciplined man will not murmur at correction. But an ignorant man will not be honored.

Sir10:25  Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.

29  Do not choose to extol yourself in doing your work, and do not be unproductive during the time of distress.

Sir10:26  Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself in the time of thy distress.

30  He who works, and so abounds in all things, is better than he who boasts, and so lacks bread.

Sir10:27  Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.

31  Son, preserve your soul in meekness, and give it honor according to its merit.

Sir10:28  My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour according to the dignity thereof.

32  Who will justify one who sins in his soul? And who will honor one who dishonors his soul?

Sir10:29  Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?

33  The poor man is glorified by his discipline and fear. And there is a man who is honored because of his substance.

Sir10:30  The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is honoured for his riches.

34  But if someone is glorified in poverty, how much more in substance? And whoever is glorified in substance, let him fear poverty.

Sir10:31  He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?

11:1  The wisdom of one who is humble will exalt his head, and will cause him to sit down in the midst of great men.

1  Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and maketh him to sit among great men.

11:2  You should not praise a man for his beauty, and you should not despise a man for his appearances.

2  Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his outward appearance.

11:3  The bee is small among flying things, but its fruit holds the summit of sweetness.

11:4  You should not glory in clothing at any time, and you should not let yourself be extolled in the day of your honor. For the works of the Most High alone are wondrous; and glorious and hidden and unseen are his works.

4  Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men are hidden.

11:5  Many tyrants have sat upon a throne, and one whom no one would admire has worn a diadem.

5  Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thought of hath worn the crown.

11:6  Many powerful men have been powerfully cast down, and the illustrious have been handed over into the hands of others.

6  Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable delivered into other men’s hands.

11:7  Before you inquire, you should not place blame on anyone; and when you have inquired, reprove justly.

7  Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.

11:8  Before you listen, you should not respond a word; and you should not interrupt in the middle of a discourse.

8  Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.

11:9  You should not contend in a matter which does not concern you, and you should not sit in judgment together with sinners.

9  Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgement with sinners.

11:10  Son, you should not be involved in many matters. And if you become rich, you will not be free from transgression. For if you pursue, you will not apprehend; and if you run ahead, you will not escape.

10  My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.

11:11  There is an impious man who labors and hurries and grieves, but all the more will he be without abundance.

11  There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.

11:12  There is a debilitated man in need of recovery, who is lacking in strength and abundant in poverty.

12  Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,

11:13  Yet the eye of God has looked with favor upon him for his benefit, and he has lifted him up from his humiliation, and he has exalted his head. And many have wondered at him, and they have honored God.

13  And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the

11:14  Good things and misfortune, life and death, poverty and wealth, are from God.

14  Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord.

11:15  Wisdom, and discipline, and knowledge of the law are with God. Love and the ways of good things are with him.

15  Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.

11:16  Error and darkness have been created by sinners. And those who exult in evil, grow old in evil.

11:17  The gift of God remains with the just man, and his advancement will have success unto eternity.

17  The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his favour bringeth prosperity for ever.

11:18  There is one who is enriched by spending sparingly, and this is the extent of his reward.

18  There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this his the portion of his reward

11:19  About this, he says: “I have found rest for myself, and now I alone will eat from my goods.”

19  Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.

11:20  But he does not know how much time will pass before death approaches, and then he must leave everything behind to others and die.

11:21  Stand fast in your covenant, and become familiar with it, and grow old in the work of your commandments.

Sir11:20  Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old in thy work.

11:22  You should not spend time in the works of sinners. Instead, trust in God and remain in your own place.

Sir11:21  Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.

11:23  For it is easy, in the eyes of God, to make a pauper suddenly rich.

11:24  The blessing of God hurries to reward the just man, and in a fleeting hour his advancement bears fruit.

Sir11:22  The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.

11:25  You should not say: “What do I need?” or, “What good will there be for me in this?”

Sir11:23  Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter?

11:26  You should not say: “I have enough for myself,” or, “What could be worse than this?”

Sir11:24  Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and what evil shall I have hereafter?

11:27  In a day of good things, you should not be forgetful of misfortunes. And in a day of misfortunes, you should not be forgetful of good things.

Sir11:25  In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity.

11:28  For it is easy, in the sight of God, on the day of one’s passing, to repay each one according to his ways.

Sir11:26  For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his ways.

11:29  The affliction of an hour causes one to forget great delights, and in the end of a man is the uncovering of his works.

11:30  You should not praise any man before death. For a man is known by his children.

Sir11:28  Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known in his children.

11:31  You should not bring every man into your house. For many are the snares of the deceitful.

Sir11:29  Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man hath many trains.

11:32  For as a stomach with a bad smell vomits, and as a partridge is led into a cage, and like a deer led into a snare, so also is the heart of the arrogant. And it is like a bystander watching his neighbor fall.

Sir11:30  Like as a partridge taken and kept in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall

11:33  For it lies in ambush, and then turns good into evil, and it will place the blame on the elect.

Sir11:31  For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee.

11:34  From one spark, a great fire grows; and from one deceitful man, much blood flows. But a very sinful man lies in ambush for blood.

Sir11:32  Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man layeth wait for blood.

11:35  Pay close attention to yourself before a harmful man, for he fabricates evils. Otherwise, he may lead over you a whispered reproach unceasingly.

Sir11:33  Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness; lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.

11:36  Receive a stranger to yourself, and he will overthrow you with a whirlwind, and he will alienate you from what is your very own.

Sir11:34  Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb thee, and turn thee out of thine own.

12:1  If you do good, know to whom you do it, and there will be many thanks for your good deeds.

1  When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt thou be thanked for thy benefits.

12:2  Do good to the just, and you will find great recompense, and if not from him, certainly from the Lord.

12:3  For there is no good for someone who is always occupied in evil, or who does not give alms. For the Most High holds hatred for sinners, but he takes pity on the repentant.

3  There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.

12:4  Give to the merciful, and you should not assist the sinner. For the impious and the sinner will be repaid with the vengeance being held for them on the day of retribution.

4  Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.

12:5  Give to the good, but you should not receive from a sinner.

5  Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby: for else thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.

12:6  Do good to the humble, but you should not give to the impious; withhold your bread, do not give it to him, otherwise he may overpower you with it.

6  For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.

12:7  For you will find twice the evil for all the good you will have done to him. For the Most High also holds hatred for sinners, and he will repay vengeance to the impious.

7  Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.

12:8  A friend will not be known in good times, and an enemy will not be hidden in adversity.

8  A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.

12:9  By the good fortune of a man, his enemies are grieved; and by his misfortune, a friend is revealed.

9  In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart.

12:10  You should never trust your enemy. For his wickedness rusts like a brass pot.

10  Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness.

12:11  And if he humbles himself and goes about bowed down, increase your alertness and guard yourself from him.

11  Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.

12:12  You should not sit down anywhere near him, nor should you allow him to sit at your right hand, lest perhaps he may turn toward your place, and seek your seat, and then, in the very end, you would understand my words and be stung by my sermon.

12  Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.

12:13  Who will take pity on an enchanter struck by a serpent, or on someone who draws near to wild beasts? And so it is with one who keeps company with an iniquitous man and is involved in his sins.

13  Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts?

14  So one that goeth to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his sins, who will pity?

12:14  For one hour, he will abide with you. But if you begin to turn aside, he will not permit it.

Sir12:15  For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to fall, he will not tarry.

12:15  An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips, but in his heart, he waits in ambush, so that he may throw you into a pit.

Sir12:16  An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imagineth how to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.

12:16  An enemy has tears in his eyes. But if he finds an opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.

12:17  And if misfortunes happen upon you, you will find him there first.

12:18  An enemy has tears in his eyes, but while pretending to help you, he will dig under your feet.

Sir12:19  If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first; and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.

12:19  He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his expression.

13:1  Whoever touches pitch will be contaminated by it. And whoever associates with the arrogant will be clothed by arrogance.

1  He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.

13:2  Whoever associates with those more honorable than himself sets a burden on himself. And so, you should have no fellowship with someone who is wealthier than you.

2  Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.

13:3  What will the cooking pot have in common with the earthen vessel? And when they collide with one another, one will be broken.

13:4  The rich man has suffered no injustice, and yet he fumes. But the poor man, though he has been wounded, will remain silent.

Sir13:3  The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.

13:5  If you are generous, he will take you up; and when you have nothing, he will cast you aside.

Sir13:4  If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have nothing, he will forsake thee.

13:6  If you possess, he will feast with you, and he will empty you, and he will not grieve over you.

Sir13:5  If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.

13:7  If he has need of you, he will deceive you; and while smiling, he will give you hope. He will converse with you pleasantly, and he will say: “What is it that you need?”

Sir13:6  If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say, What wantest thou?

13:8  And he will impress you with his foods, until he has drained you two or three times, and in the very end, he will ridicule you. And afterward, when he sees you, he will abandon you, and he will shake his head at you.

Sir13:7  And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee.

13:9  Humble yourself before God, and wait for his hands.

13:10  Be careful. Otherwise, having been seduced into foolishness, you will be humiliated.

Sir13:8  Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy jollity.

13:11  Do not choose to be low in your wisdom, otherwise, having been brought low, you will be seduced into foolishness.

13:12  If you are invited by someone who is more powerful than you, you should decline. Otherwise, he will invite you all the more.

Sir13:9  If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so much the more will he invite thee.

13:13  You cannot be rude to him, lest you be pushed away. And you cannot stray far from him, lest you be forgotten.

Sir13:10  Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far off, lest thou be forgotten.

13:14  You cannot hold a discussion with him as with an equal. You should not trust his many words. For by much talking, he will probe you, and while smiling, he will question you about your secrets.

Sir13:11  Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not his many words: for with much communication will he tempt thee, and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets

13:15  His cruel mind will store up your words; and he will not spare you from affliction, nor from prison.

Sir13:12  But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.

13:16  Be cautious of yourself, and attend diligently to what you are hearing. For you are walking toward your own destruction.

Sir13:13  Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy sleep.

13:17  Yet truly, while listening to these things, consider it as if it were a dream, and you will awaken.

13:18  Love God for your entire life, and call upon him for your salvation.

Sir13:14  Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy salvation.

13:19  Every animal loves its own kind; so also every man loves those closest to himself.

Sir13:15  Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his neighbour.

13:20  All flesh will join with whatever is similar to itself, and every man will associate with whomever is similar to himself.

Sir13:16  All flesh consorteth according to kind, and a man will cleave to his like.

13:21  If a wolf would at any time have fellowship with a lamb, so also would a sinner have fellowship with the just.

Sir13:17  What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner with the godly.

13:22  What fellowship does a holy man have with a dog? Or what portion do the wealthy have with the poor?

Sir13:18  What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what peace between the rich and the poor?

13:23  In the desert, the wild donkey is the prey of the lion. So also are the poor the pasture of the rich.

Sir13:19  As the wild ass is the lion’s prey in the wilderness: so the rich eat up the poor.

13:24  And just as humility is an abomination to the arrogant, so also does the rich man abhor the poor man.

Sir13:20  As the proud hate humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.

13:25  When a wealthy man has been shaken, he is strengthened by his friends. But when a lowly man has fallen, he is expelled even by those who know him well.

Sir13:21  A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a poor man being down is thrust away by his friends.

13:26  When a rich man has been deceived, many will help him recover; he has spoken arrogantly, and yet they justify him.

Sir13:22  When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spake wisely, and could have no place.

13:27  When a poor man has been deceived, in addition he is rebuked; he has spoken with understanding, and no place is given to him.

13:28  The rich man has spoken, and all remain silent, and they repeat his words, even to the clouds.

Sir13:23  When a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and, look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.

13:29  The poor man has spoken, and they say: “Who is this?” And if he stumbles, they will overthrow him.

13:30  Substance is good for him who has no sin on his conscience. And poverty is called very wicked by the mouth of the impious.

Sir13:24  Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly.

13:31  The heart of a man changes his face, either for better or for worse.

Sir13:25  The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

13:32  You will find, with difficulty and much labor, the sign of a good heart and a good face.

Sir13:26  A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.

14:1  Blessed is the man who has not slipped because of a word from his mouth, and who has not been stung by grief because of an offense.

1  Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude of sins.

14:2  Happy is he who does not have sadness in his mind, and who has not fallen away from his hope.

2  Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.

14:3  Substance is senseless for a greedy and stingy man. And what would a spiteful man do with gold?

3  Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an envious man do with money?

14:4  Whoever acquires unjustly, according to his own mind, gathers for others. For another will spend his goods lavishly.

4  He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for others, that shall spend his goods riotously.

14:5  Whoever is wicked to himself, to whom will he be good? For he will not take enjoyment in his own goods.

5  He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall not take pleasure in his goods.

14:6  Whoever has ill will toward himself, nothing is more worthless than he is. But such is the reward of his wickedness.

6  There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is a recompence of his wickedness.

14:7  And if he does good, he does it ignorantly and unwillingly. And in the very end, he realizes his own malice.

7  And if he doeth good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the last he will declare his wickedness.

14:8  The eye of the spiteful man is wicked, and he averts his face and despises his own soul.

8  The envious man hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face, and despiseth men.

14:9  The eye of the greedy man is insatiable in his portion of iniquity. He will not be satisfied until he has consumed his own soul, withering it away.

9  A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.

14:10  An evil eye is directed at evil things. And he will not be satisfied by bread; instead, he will be needy and grieving at his own table.

10  A wicked eye envieth his bread, and he is a niggard at his table.

14:11  Son, if you have anything, do good to yourself, and offer worthy oblations to God.

11  My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give the Lord his due offering.

14:12  Remember that death has not been delayed, and that the covenant of the grave has been revealed to you. For the covenant of this world will pass away in death.

12  Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.

14:13  Do good to your friend before you die. And according to your ability, extend your hand and give to the poor.

13  Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.

14:14  Do not cheat yourself out of a good day, and do not let the smallest good gift pass you by.

14  Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee.

14:15  Should you not leave it to others to divide your sorrows and labors by lot?

15  Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another? and thy labours to be divided by lot?

14:16  Give, and receive, and justify your soul.

16  Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave.

14:17  Before your passing, accomplish justice. For in death, there is no food to be found.

17  All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.

14:18  All flesh grows old like the grass, and like the foliage that springs forth from a green tree.

18  As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.

14:19  Some spring up, and others fall away. Such is the generation of flesh and blood. One is finished, and another is born.

19  Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof shall go withal.

14:20  Every corruptible work will fail in the end. And its worker will go with it.

20  Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom, and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding.

14:21  But every excellent work will be justified. And whoever worked it will be honored by it.

21  He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have understanding in her secrets.

14:22  Blessed is the man who will abide in wisdom, and who will meditate on her righteousness, and who, in his mind, will consider the circumspection of God.

22  Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her ways.

14:23  He considers her ways in his heart, and he finds understanding in her secrets. He goes after her like an investigator, and he is constant in her ways.

23  He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her doors.

14:24  He gazes through her windows, and he listens at her door.

24  He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in her walls.

14:25  He rests next to her house, and, fastening a peg in her walls, he sets up his cottage by her hands. And so, good things will find rest in his cottage as time passes.

25  He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a lodging where good things are.

14:26  He will station his sons under her covering, and he will abide under her branches.

26  He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge under her branches.

14:27  He will be protected by her covering from the heat, and he will rest in her glory.

27  By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall he dwell.

15:1  Whoever fears God will do good. And whoever holds to justice will obtain it.

1  He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her.

15:2  And like an honorable mother, she will meet him, and like a virgin bride, she will receive him.

2  And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of a virgin.

15:3  She will feed him with the bread of life and understanding. And she give him to drink from the water of salvific wisdom. And she will be confirmed in him, and he will not waver.

3  With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give him the water of wisdom to drink.

15:4  And she will hold to him, and he will not be confounded. And she will exalt him, along with those closest to him.

4  He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.

15:5  And in the midst of the Church, she will open his mouth, and she will fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and she will clothe him with a robe of glory.

5  She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth.

15:6  She will store up in him a treasure of rejoicing and exultation, and she will cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

6  He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

15:7  But foolish men will not take hold of her. And though understanding men will meet her, foolish men will not catch sight of her. For she is far from arrogance and deceit.

7  But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall not see her.

15:8  Lying men will be wary of her. But men who speak the truth will be found with her, and they will have success, even when examined by God.

8  For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot remember her.

15:9  Praise is not beautiful in the mouth of a sinner.

9  Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not sent him of the Lord.

15:10  For wisdom was sent from God. And praise will stand before the wisdom of God, and praise will abound in the mouths of the faithful, and the sovereign Lord will give praise to wisdom.

10  For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.

15:11  You should not say: “It is because of God that wisdom is absent.” For you should not do what he detests.

11  Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth.

15:12  You should not say: “He has led me astray.” For the impious are of no use to him.

12  Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need of the sinful man.

15:13  The Lord hates all abominable error, and those who fear him will not love such things.

13  The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love it not.

15:14  God established man from the beginning, and he left him in the hand of his own counsel.

15:15  He added his commandments and precepts.

15:16  If you choose to keep the commandments, and if, having chosen them, you fulfill them with perpetual fidelity, they will preserve you.

Sir15:15  If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness.

15:17  He has set water and fire before you. Extend your hand to whichever one you would choose.

Sir15:16  He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt.

15:18  Before man is life and death, good and evil. Whichever one he chooses will be given to him.

15:19  For the wisdom of God is manifold. And he is strong in power, seeing all things without ceasing.

Sir15:18  For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things

15:20  The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, and he knows each one of the works of man.

Sir15:19  And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work of man.

15:21  He has commanded no one to act impiously, and he has given no one permission to sin.

Sir15:20  He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man licence to sin.

15:22  For he does not desire a multitude of unfaithful and useless sons.

16:1  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.

16:2  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.

16:3  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.

16:4  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.

16:5  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.

16:6  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.

16:7  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.

16:8  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.

16:9  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

16:10  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.

16:11  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.

16:12  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

16:13  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.

16:14  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.

16:15  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.

16:16  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.

16:17  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?

16:18  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.

16:19  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.

16:20  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?

16:21  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.

16:22  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.

16:23  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.

16:24  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.

16:25  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.

16:26  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.

16:27  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.

16:28  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.

16:29  You should not be incredulous at his word.

16:30  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.

16:31  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.