# Sirach

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> The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
> [The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]
> 
> Sir 1
> [A Prologue made by an uncertain Author]
> This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to
> Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the
> latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and
> called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his
> grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great
> diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather
> the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before
> him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much
> understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus
> died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son
> receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having
> gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one
> volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own
> name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the
> hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the
> study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark
> sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly
> stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song;
> moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what
> plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate
> Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both
> being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.
> 
> [The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.]
> Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law
> and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps,
> for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning
> and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become
> skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able
> to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:
> my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the
> reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our
> fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also
> himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to
> the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are
> addicted to these things, might profit much more in living
> according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it
> with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem
> to come short of some words, which we have laboured to
> interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated
> into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not
> only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the
> rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are
> spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth
> year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing
> there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore
> I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and
> travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in
> that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for
> them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn,
> being prepared before in manners to live after the law.
> 
> Sir 1
> All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.
> 
> 2
> Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain,
> and the days of eternity?
> 
> 3
> Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the
> earth, and the deep, and wisdom?
> 
> 4
> Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the
> understanding of prudence from everlasting.
> 
> 5
> The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her
> ways are everlasting commandments.
> 
> 6
> To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath
> known her wise counsels?
> 
> 7
> [Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
> and who hath understood her great experience?]
> 
> 8
> There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting
> upon his throne.
> 
> 9
> He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her
> out upon all his works.
> 
> 10
> She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath
> given her to them that love him.
> 
> 11
> The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and
> a crown of rejoicing.
> 
> 12
> The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy,
> and gladness, and a long life.
> 
> 13
> Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the
> last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.
> 
> 14
> To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was
> created with the faithful in the womb.
> 
> 15
> She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she
> shall continue with their seed.
> 
> 16
> To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with
> her fruits.
> 
> 17
> She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the
> garners with her increase.
> 
> 18
> The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and
> perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and
> it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.
> 
> 19
> Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding
> standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.
> 
> 20
> The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches
> thereof are long life.
> 
> 21
> The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is
> present, it turneth away wrath.
> 
> 22
> A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury
> shall be his destruction.
> 
> 23
> A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall
> spring up unto him.
> 
> 24
> He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall
> declare his wisdom.
> 
> 25
> The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but
> godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
> 
> 26
> If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord
> shall give her unto thee.
> 
> 27
> For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith
> and meekness are his delight.
> 
> 28
> Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and
> come not unto him with a double heart.
> 
> 29
> Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed
> what thou speakest.
> 
> 30
> Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon
> thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in
> the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth
> to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.
> 
> Sir 2
> My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
> temptation.
> 
> 2
> Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not
> haste in time of trouble.
> 
> 3
> Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be
> increased at thy last end.
> 
> 4
> Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be
> patient when thou art changed to a low estate.
> 
> 5
> For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the
> furnace of adversity.
> 
> 6
> Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright,
> and trust in him.
> 
> 7
> Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside,
> lest ye fall.
> 
> 8
> Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not
> fail.
> 
> 9
> Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy
> and mercy.
> 
> 10
> Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust
> in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear,
> and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon
> him?
> 
> 11
> For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering,
> and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of
> affliction.
> 
> 12
> Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner
> that goeth two ways!
> 
> 13
> Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not;
> therefore shall he not be defended.
> 
> 14
> Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do
> when the Lord shall visit you?
> 
> 15
> They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they
> that love him will keep his ways.
> 
> 16
> They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well,
> pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with
> the law.
> 
> 17
> They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble
> their souls in his sight,
> 
> 18
> Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into
> the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.
> 
> Sir 3
> Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye
> may be safe.
> 
> 2
> For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children,
> and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.
> 
> 3
> Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:
> 
> 4
> And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up
> treasure.
> 
> 5
> Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own
> children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.
> 
> 6
> He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he
> that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.
> 
> 7
> He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do
> service unto his parents, as to his masters.
> 
> 8
> Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a
> blessing may come upon thee from them.
> 
> 9
> For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of
> children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.
> 
> 10
> Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father's
> dishonour is no glory unto thee.
> 
> 11
> For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and
> a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.
> 
> 12
> My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as
> long as he liveth.
> 
> 13
> And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and
> despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.
> 
> 14
> For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and
> instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.
> 
> 15
> In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy
> sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.
> 
> 16
> He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that
> angereth his mother is cursed: of God.
> 
> 17
> My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be
> beloved of him that is approved.
> 
> 18
> The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt
> find favour before the Lord.
> 
> 19
> Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are
> revealed unto the meek.
> 
> 20
> For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the
> lowly.
> 
> 21
> Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither
> search the things that are above thy strength.
> 
> 22
> But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence,
> for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things
> that are in secret.
> 
> 23
> Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are
> shewed unto thee than men understand.
> 
> 24
> For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil
> suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.
> 
> 25
> Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge
> therefore that thou hast not.
> 
> 26
> A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that
> loveth danger shall perish therein.
> 
> 27
> An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the
> wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
> 
> 28
> In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the
> plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.
> 
> 29
> The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an
> attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
> 
> 30
> Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an
> atonement for sins.
> 
> 31
> And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may
> come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.
> 
> Sir 4
> My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the
> needy eyes to wait long.
> 
> 2
> Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in
> his distress.
> 
> 3
> Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not
> to give to him that is in need.
> 
> 4
> Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn
> away thy face from a poor man.
> 
> 5
> Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none
> occasion to curse thee:
> 
> 6
> For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his
> prayer shall be heard of him that made him.
> 
> 7
> Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to
> a great man.
> 
> 8
> Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and
> give him a friendly answer with meekness.
> 
> 9
> Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the
> oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in
> judgment.
> 
> 10
> Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband
> unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High,
> and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.
> 
> 11
> Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that
> seek her.
> 
> 12
> He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her
> early shall be filled with joy.
> 
> 13
> He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever
> she entereth, the Lord will bless.
> 
> 14
> They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them
> that love her the Lord doth love.
> 
> 15
> Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he
> that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.
> 
> 16
> If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and
> his generation shall hold her in possession.
> 
> 17
> For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and
> bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her
> discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her
> laws.
> 
> 18
> Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort
> him, and shew him her secrets.
> 
> 19
> But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over
> to his own ruin.
> 
> 20
> Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not
> ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.
> 
> 21
> For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame
> which is glory and grace.
> 
> 22
> Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence
> of any man cause thee to fall.
> 
> 23
> And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good,
> and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.
> 
> 24
> For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word
> of the tongue.
> 
> 25
> In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the
> error of thine ignorance.
> 
> 26
> Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course
> of the river.
> 
> 27
> Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither
> accept the person of the mighty.
> 
> 28
> Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for
> thee.
> 
> 29
> Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and
> remiss.
> 
> 30
> Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy
> servants.
> 
> 31
> Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when
> thou shouldest repay.
> 
> Sir 5
> Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for
> my life.
> 
> 2
> Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the
> ways of thy heart:
> 
> 3
> And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord
> will surely revenge thy pride.
> 
> 4
> Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me?
> for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.
> 
> 5
> Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto
> sin:
> 
> 6
> And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the
> multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his
> indignation resteth upon sinners.
> 
> 7
> Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from
> day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth,
> and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the
> day of vengeance.
> 
> 8
> Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they
> shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
> 
> 9
> Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so
> doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.
> 
> 10
> Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the
> same.
> 
> 11
> Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with
> patience give answer.
> 
> 12
> If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay
> thy hand upon thy mouth.
> 
> 13
> Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his
> fall.
> 
> 14
> Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy
> tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil
> condemnation upon the double tongue.
> 
> 15
> Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.
> 
> Sir 6
> Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou
> shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a
> sinner that hath a double tongue.
> 
> 2
> Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy
> soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]
> 
> 3
> Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave
> thyself as a dry tree.
> 
> 4
> A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make
> him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
> 
> 5
> Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking
> tongue will increase kind greetings.
> 
> 6
> Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor
> of a thousand.
> 
> 7
> If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not
> hasty to credit him.
> 
> 8
> For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not
> abide in the day of thy trouble.
> 
> 9
> And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife
> will discover thy reproach.
> 
> 10
> Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not
> continue in the day of thy affliction.
> 
> 11
> But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold
> over thy servants.
> 
> 12
> If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will
> hide himself from thy face.
> 
> 13
> Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy
> friends.
> 
> 14
> A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath
> found such an one hath found a treasure.
> 
> 15
> Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his
> excellency is invaluable.
> 
> 16
> A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear
> the Lord shall find him.
> 
> 17
> Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright:
> for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
> 
> 18
> My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou
> find wisdom till thine old age.
> 
> 19
> Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for
> her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about
> her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
> 
> 20
> She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without
> understanding will not remain with her.
> 
> 21
> She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will
> cast her from him ere it be long.
> 
> 22
> For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest
> unto many.
> 
> 23
> Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my
> counsel,
> 
> 24
> And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her
> chain.
> 
> 25
> Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with
> her bonds.
> 
> 26
> Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with
> all thy power.
> 
> 27
> Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and
> when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.
> 
> 28
> For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be
> turned to thy joy.
> 
> 29
> Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her
> chains a robe of glory.
> 
> 30
> For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are
> purple lace.
> 
> 31
> Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her
> about thee as a crown of joy.
> 
> 32
> My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt
> apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
> 
> 33
> If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and
> if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
> 
> 34
> Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him
> that is wise.
> 
> 35
> Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the
> parables of understanding escape thee.
> 
> 36
> And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes
> unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
> 
> 37
> Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate
> continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart,
> and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.
> 
> Sir 7
> Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.
> 
> 2
> Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from
> thee.
> 
> 3
> My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou
> shalt not reap them sevenfold.
> 
> 4
> Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the
> seat of honour.
> 
> 5
> justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy
> wisdom before the king.
> 
> 6
> Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity;
> lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an
> stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.
> 
> 7
> Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou
> shalt not cast thyself down among the people.
> 
> 8
> Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be
> unpunished.
> 
> 9
> Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations,
> and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.
> 
> 10
> Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect
> not to give alms.
> 
> 11
> Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for
> there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
> 
> 12
> Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to
> thy friend.
> 
> 13
> Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is
> not good.
> 
> 14
> Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not
> much babbling when thou prayest.
> 
> 15
> Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most
> High hath ordained.
> 
> 16
> Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but
> remember that wrath will not tarry long.
> 
> 17
> Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is
> fire and worms.
> 
> 18
> Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a
> faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
> 
> 19
> Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above
> gold.
> 
> 20
> Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor
> the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
> 
> 21
> Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of
> liberty.
> 
> 22
> Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy
> profit, keep them with thee.
> 
> 23
> Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck
> from their youth.
> 
> 24
> Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not
> thyself cheerful toward them.
> 
> 25
> Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a
> weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.
> 
> 26
> Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give
> not thyself over to a light woman.
> 
> 27
> Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the
> sorrows of thy mother.
> 
> 28
> Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou
> recompense them the things that they have done for thee?
> 
> 29
> Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.
> 
> 30
> Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake
> not his ministers.
> 
> 31
> Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his
> portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the
> trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the
> sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy
> things.
> 
> 32
> And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may
> be perfected.
> 
> 33
> A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for
> the dead detain it not.
> 
> 34
> Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that
> mourn.
> 
> 35
> Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be
> beloved.
> 
> 36
> Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou
> shalt never do amiss.
> 
> Sir 8
> Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.
> 
> 2
> Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee:
> for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
> 
> 3
> Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not
> wood upon his fire.
> 
> 4
> Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
> 
> 5
> Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that
> we are all worthy of punishment.
> 
> 6
> Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax
> old.
> 
> 7
> Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember
> that we die all.
> 
> 8
> Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself
> with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction,
> and how to serve great men with ease.
> 
> 9
> Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned
> of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding,
> and to give answer as need requireth.
> 
> 10
> Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the
> flame of his fire.
> 
> 11
> Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious
> person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words
> 
> 12
> Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou
> lendest him, count it but lost.
> 
> 13
> Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take
> care to pay it.
> 
> 14
> Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him
> according to his honour.
> 
> 15
> Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become
> grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will,
> and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
> 
> 16
> Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a
> solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where
> there is no help, he will overthrow thee.
> 
> 17
> Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
> 
> 18
> Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not
> what he will bring forth.
> 
> 19
> Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with
> a shrewd turn.
> 
> Sir 9
> Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not
> an evil lesson against thyself.
> 
> 2
> Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy
> substance.
> 
> 3
> Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.
> 
> 4
> Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest
> thou be taken with her attempts.
> 
> 5
> Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that
> are precious in her.
> 
> 6
> Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine
> inheritance.
> 
> 7
> Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither
> wander thou in the solitary place thereof.
> 
> 8
> Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon
> another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a
> woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.
> 
> 9
> Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her
> in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine;
> lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire
> thou fall into destruction.
> 
> 10
> Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to
> him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt
> drink it with pleasure.
> 
> 11
> Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what
> shall be his end.
> 
> 12
> Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in;
> but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.
> 
> 13
> Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt
> thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him,
> make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember
> that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest
> upon the battlements of the city.
> 
> 14
> As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult
> with the wise.
> 
> 15
> Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in
> the law of the most High.
> 
> 16
> And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy
> glorying be in the fear of the Lord.
> 
> 17
> For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended:
> and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.
> 
> 18
> A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that
> is rash in his talk shall be hated.
> 
> Sir 10
> A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of
> a prudent man is well ordered.
> 
> 2
> As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers;
> and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all
> they that dwell therein.
> 
> 3
> An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the
> prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be
> inhabited.
> 
> 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
> In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the
> person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.
> 
> 6
> Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do
> nothing at all by injurious practices.
> 
> 7
> Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one
> commit iniquity.
> 
> 8
> Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by
> deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.
> 
> 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
> The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to
> day a king to morrow shall die.
> 
> 11
> For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things,
> beasts, and worms.
> 
> 12
> The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and
> his heart is turned away from his Maker.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 14
> The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set
> up the meek in their stead.
> 
> 15
> The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and
> planted the lowly in their place.
> 
> 16
> The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed
> them to the foundations of the earth.
> 
> 17
> He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made
> their memorial to cease from the earth.
> 
> 18
> Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that
> are born of a woman.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 20
> Among brethren he that is chief is honorable; so are they
> that fear the Lord in his eyes.
> 
> 21
> The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority:
> but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.
> 
> 22
> Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear
> of the Lord.
> 
> 23
> It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath
> understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful
> man.
> 
> 24
> Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet
> is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 26
> Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself
> in the time of thy distress.
> 
> 27
> Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things,
> than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.
> 
> 28
> My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour
> according to the dignity thereof.
> 
> 29
> Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and
> who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?
> 
> 30
> The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is
> honoured for his riches.
> 
> 31
> He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and
> he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?
> 
> Sir 11
> Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and
> maketh him to sit among great men.
> 
> 2
> Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his
> outward appearance.
> 
> 3
> The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the
> chief of sweet things.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 5
> Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was
> never thought of hath worn the crown.
> 
> 6
> Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the
> honourable delivered into other men's hands.
> 
> 7
> Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand
> first, and then rebuke.
> 
> 8
> Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither
> interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
> 
> 9
> Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not
> in judgment with sinners.
> 
> 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
> There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh
> haste, and is so much the more behind.
> 
> 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,
> 
> 13
> And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw
> from him is peace over all the
> 
> 14
> Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches,
> come of the Lord.
> 
> 15
> Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the
> Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.
> 
> 16
> Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners:
> and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.
> 
> 17
> The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his
> favour bringeth prosperity for ever.
> 
> 18
> There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and
> this his the portion of his reward:
> 
> 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.
> 
> 20
> Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and
> wax old in thy work.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 22
> The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and
> suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.
> 
> 23
> Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good
> things shall I have hereafter?
> 
> 24
> Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and
> what evil shall I have hereafter?
> 
> 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.
> 
> 26
> For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to
> reward a man according to his ways.
> 
> 27
> The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and
> in his end his deeds shall be discovered.
> 
> 28
> Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known
> in his children.
> 
> 29
> Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man
> hath many trains.
> 
> 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:
> 
> 31
> For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in
> things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee.
> 
> 32
> Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful
> man layeth wait for blood.
> 
> 33
> Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness;
> lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.
> 
> 34
> Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb
> thee, and turn thee out of thine own.
> 
> Sir 12
> When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt
> thou be thanked for thy benefits.
> 
> 2
> Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence;
> and if not from him, yet from the most High.
> 
> 3
> There can no good come to him that is always occupied in
> evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.
> 
> 4
> Give to the godly man, and help not 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.
> 
> 6
> For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance
> unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of
> their punishment.
> 
> 7
> Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.
> 
> 8
> A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot
> be hidden in adversity.
> 
> 9
> In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in
> his adversity even a friend will depart.
> 
> 10
> Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his
> wickedness.
> 
> 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
> 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.
> 
> 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?
> 
> 15
> For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to
> fall, he will not tarry.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 17
> If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first;
> and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.
> 
> 18
> He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much,
> and change his countenance.
> 
> Sir 13
> He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he
> that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 3
> The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal:
> the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.
> 
> 4
> If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have
> nothing, he will forsake thee.
> 
> 5
> If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will
> make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.
> 
> 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?
> 
> 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.
> 
> 8
> Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy
> jollity.
> 
> 9
> If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so
> much the more will he invite thee.
> 
> 10
> Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far
> off, lest thou be forgotten.
> 
> 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:
> 
> 12
> But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to
> do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.
> 
> 13
> Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy
> overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy
> sleep.
> 
> 14
> Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy
> salvation.
> 
> 15
> Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his
> neighbor.
> 
> 16
> All flesh consorteth according to kind, and a man will cleave
> to his like.
> 
> 17
> What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner
> with the godly.
> 
> 18
> What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what
> peace between the rich and the poor?
> 
> 19
> As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness: so the
> rich eat up the poor.
> 
> 20
> As the proud hate humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is
> evil in the mouth of the ungodly.
> 
> 25
> The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be
> for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful
> countenance.
> 
> 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.
> 
> Sir 14
> Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and
> is not pricked with the multitude of sins.
> 
> 2
> Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and
> who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.
> 
> 3
> Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an
> envious man do with money?
> 
> 4
> He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for
> others, that shall spend his goods riotously.
> 
> 5
> He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall
> not take pleasure in his goods.
> 
> 6
> There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is
> a recompence of his wickedness.
> 
> 7
> And if he doeth good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the
> last he will declare his wickedness.
> 
> 8
> The envious man hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face,
> and despiseth men.
> 
> 9
> A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and
> the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.
> 
> 10
> A wicked eye envieth [his] bread, and he is a niggard at his
> table.
> 
> 11
> My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give
> the Lord his due offering.
> 
> 12
> Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the
> covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.
> 
> 13
> Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy
> ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.
> 
> 14
> Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of
> a good desire overpass thee.
> 
> 15
> Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another? and thy
> labours to be divided by lot?
> 
> 16
> Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no
> seeking of dainties in the grave.
> 
> 17
> All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the
> beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 19
> Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof
> shall go withal.
> 
> 20
> Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom,
> and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding. ing.
> 
> 21
> He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have
> understanding in her secrets.
> 
> 22
> Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her
> ways.
> 
> 23
> He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her
> doors.
> 
> 24
> He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in
> her walls.
> 
> 25
> He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a
> lodging where good things are.
> 
> 26
> He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge
> under her branches.
> 
> 27
> By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall
> he dwell.
> 
> Sir 15
> He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the
> knowledge of the law shall obtain her.
> 
> 2
> And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife
> married of a virgin.
> 
> 3
> With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give
> him the water of wisdom to drink.
> 
> 4
> He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and
> shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.
> 
> 5
> She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of
> the congregation shall she open his mouth.
> 
> 6
> He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall
> cause him to inherit an everlasting name.
> 
> 7
> But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall
> not see her.
> 
> 8
> For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot
> remember her.
> 
> 9
> Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not
> sent him of the Lord.
> 
> 10
> For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will
> prosper it.
> 
> 11
> Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for
> thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth.
> 
> 12
> Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need
> of the sinful man.
> 
> 13
> The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love
> it not.
> 
> 14
> He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the
> hand of his counsel;
> 
> 15
> If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform
> acceptable faithfulness.
> 
> 16
> He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy
> hand unto whether thou wilt.
> 
> 17
> Before man is life and death; and whether him liketh shall be
> given him.
> 
> 18
> For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in
> power, and beholdeth all things:
> 
> 19
> And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth
> every work of man.
> 
> 20
> He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he
> given any man licence to sin.
> 
> Sir 16
> Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither
> delight in ungodly sons.
> 
> 2
> Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of
> the Lord be with them.
> 
> 3
> Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their
> multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and
> better it is to die without children, than to have them that are
> ungodly.
> 
> 4
> For by one that hath understanding shall the city be
> replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become
> desolate.
> 
> 5
> Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear
> hath heard greater things than these.
> 
> 6
> In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled;
> and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
> 
> 7
> He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in
> the strength of their foolishness.
> 
> 8
> Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred
> them for their pride.
> 
> 9
> He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in
> their sins:
> 
> 10
> Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered
> together in the hardness of their hearts.
> 
> 11
> And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is
> marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with
> him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.
> 
> 12
> As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth
> a man according to his works
> 
> 13
> The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience
> of the godly shall not be frustrate.
> 
> 14
> Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find
> according to his works.
> 
> 15
> The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that
> his powerful works might be known to the world.
> 
> 16
> His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath
> separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.
> 
> 17
> Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any
> remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many
> people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of
> creatures?
> 
> 18
> Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and
> the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall
> visit.
> 
> 19
> The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken
> with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
> 
> 20
> No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is
> able to conceive his ways?
> 
> 21
> It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of
> his works are hid.
> 
> 22
> Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure
> them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things
> is in the end.
> 
> 23
> He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things:
> and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.
> 
> 24
> by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my
> words with thy heart.
> 
> 25
> I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his
> knowledge exactly.
> 
> 26
> The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the
> beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts
> thereof.
> 
> 27
> He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the
> chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are
> weary, nor cease from their works.
> 
> 28
> None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey
> his word.
> 
> 29
> After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with
> his blessings.
> 
> 30
> With all manner of living things hath he covered the face
> thereof; and they shall return into it again.
> 
> Sir 17
> The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it
> again.
> 
> 2
> He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over
> the things therein.
> 
> 3
> He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them
> according to his image,
> 
> 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.]
> 
> 6
> Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he
> them to understand.
> 
> 7
> Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding,
> and shewed them good and evil.
> 
> 8
> He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the
> greatness of his works.
> 
> 9
> He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that
> they might declare his works with understanding.
> 
> 10
> And the elect shall praise his holy name.
> 
> 11
> Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for
> an heritage.
> 
> 12
> He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them
> his judgments.
> 
> 13
> Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard
> his glorious voice.
> 
> 14
> And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he
> gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.
> 
> 15
> Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his
> eyes.
> 
> 16
> Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they
> make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.
> 
> 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:
> 
> 18
> Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and
> giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him.
> 
> 19
> Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his
> eyes are continually upon their ways.
> 
> 20
> None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all
> their sins are before the Lord
> 
> 21
> But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship,
> neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 23
> Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their
> recompence upon their heads.
> 
> 24
> But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and
> comforted those that failed in patience.
> 
> 25
> Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer
> before his face, and offend less.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 27
> Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them
> which live and give thanks?
> 
> 28
> Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is
> not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.
> 
> 29
> How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his
> compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!
> 
> 30
> For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is
> not immortal.
> 
> 31
> What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth;
> and flesh and blood will imagine evil.
> 
> 32
> He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are
> but earth and ashes.
> 
> Sir 18
> He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general.
> 
> 2
> The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,
> 
> 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.
> 
> 4
> To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who
> shall find out his noble acts?
> 
> 5
> Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall
> also tell out his mercies?
> 
> 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.
> 
> 7
> When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth
> off, then he shall be doubtful.
> 
> 8
> What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and
> what is his evil?
> 
> 9
> The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 11
> Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his
> mercy upon them.
> 
> 12
> He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he
> multiplied his compassion.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 14
> He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that
> diligently seek after his judgments.
> 
> 15
> My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable
> words when thou givest any thing.
> 
> 16
> Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than
> a gift.
> 
> 17
> Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a
> gracious man.
> 
> 18
> A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious
> consumeth the eyes.
> 
> 19
> Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be
> sick.
> 
> 20
> Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation
> thou shalt find mercy.
> 
> 21
> Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins
> shew repentance.
> 
> 22
> Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer
> not until death to be justified.
> 
> 23
> Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that
> tempteth the Lord.
> 
> 24
> Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time
> of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.
> 
> 25
> When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when
> thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.
> 
> 26
> From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and
> all things are soon done before the Lord.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 28
> Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give
> praise unto him that found her.
> 
> 29
> They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise
> themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.
> 
> 30
> Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine
> appetites.
> 
> 31
> If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will
> make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.
> 
> 32
> Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the
> expence thereof.
> 
> 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.
> 
> Sir 19
> A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be
> rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little
> and little.
> 
> 2
> Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away:
> and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.
> 
> 3
> Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man
> shall be taken away.
> 
> 4
> He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that
> sinneth shall offend against his own soul.
> 
> 5
> Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but
> he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.
> 
> 6
> He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he
> that hateth babbling shall have less evil.
> 
> 7
> Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and
> thou shalt fare never the worse.
> 
> 8
> Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's
> lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.
> 
> 9
> For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will
> hate thee.
> 
> 10
> If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold,
> it will not burst thee.
> 
> 11
> A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a
> child.
> 
> 12
> As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word
> within a fool's belly.
> 
> 13
> Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he
> have done it, that he do it no more.
> 
> 14
> Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he
> have, that he speak it not again.
> 
> 15
> Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and
> believe not every tale.
> 
> 16
> There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his
> heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?
> 
> 17
> Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not
> being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
> 
> 18
> The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of
> him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.
> 
> 19
> The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine
> of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive
> the fruit of the tree of immortality.
> 
> 20
> The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the
> performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
> 
> 21
> If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth
> thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth
> him.
> 
> 22
> The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any
> time the counsel of sinners prudence.
> 
> 23
> There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there
> is a fool wanting in wisdom.
> 
> 24
> He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better
> than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the
> most High.
> 
> 25
> There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and
> there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and
> there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
> 
> 26
> There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but
> inwardly he is full of deceit,
> 
> 27
> Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not:
> where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be
> aware.
> 
> 28
> And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet
> when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.
> 
> 29
> A man may be known by his look, and one that hath
> understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.
> 
> 30
> A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what
> he is.
> 
> Sir 20
> There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man
> holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
> 
> 2
> It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and
> he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
> 
> 3
> How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance!
> for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.
> 
> 4
> As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he
> that executeth judgment with violence.
> 
> 5
> There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and
> another by much babbling becometh hateful.
> 
> 6
> Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer:
> and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.
> 
> 7
> A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but
> a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
> 
> 8
> He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that
> taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
> 
> 9
> There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and
> there is a gain that turneth to loss.
> 
> 10
> There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a
> gift whose recompence is double.
> 
> 11
> There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that
> lifteth up his head from a low estate.
> 
> 12
> There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it
> sevenfold.
> 
> 13
> A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of
> fools shall be poured out.
> 
> 14
> The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it;
> neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to
> receive many things for one.
> 
> 15
> He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth
> like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it
> again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
> 
> 16
> The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my
> good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.
> 
> 17
> How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he
> knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto
> him as if he had it not.
> 
> 18
> To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the
> tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
> 
> 19
> An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the
> unwise.
> 
> 20
> A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a
> fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.
> 
> 21
> There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when
> he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.
> 
> 22
> There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness,
> and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.
> 
> 23
> There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and
> maketh him his enemy for nothing.
> 
> 24
> A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the
> mouth of the untaught.
> 
> 25
> A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but
> they both shall have destruction to heritage.
> 
> 26
> The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is
> ever with him.
> 
> 27
> A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words:
> and he that hath understanding will please great men.
> 
> 28
> He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that
> pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
> 
> 29
> Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up
> his mouth that he cannot reprove.
> 
> 30
> Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what
> profit is in them both?
> 
> 31
> Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his
> wisdom.
> 
> 32
> Necessary patience in seeking ing the Lord is better than he
> that leadeth his life without a guide.
> 
> Sir 21
> My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for
> thy former sins.
> 
> 2
> Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou
> comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as
> the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
> 
> 3
> All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof
> cannot be healed.
> 
> 4
> To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of
> proud men shall be made desolate.
> 
> 5
> A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of
> God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
> 
> 6
> He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but
> he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.
> 
> 7
> An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of
> understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
> 
> 8
> He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one
> that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
> 
> 9
> The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together:
> and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.
> 
> 10
> The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end
> thereof is the pit of hell.
> 
> 11
> He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding
> thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
> 
> 12
> He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom
> which multiplieth bitterness.
> 
> 13
> The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and
> his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
> 
> 14
> The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he
> will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
> 
> 15
> If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and
> add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it,
> it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
> 
> 16
> The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace
> shall be found in the lips of the wise.
> 
> 17
> They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the
> congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
> 
> 18
> As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and
> the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
> 
> 19
> Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like
> manacles on the right hand.
> 
> 20
> A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man
> doth scarce smile a little.
> 
> 21
> Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like
> a bracelet upon his right arm.
> 
> 22
> A foolish man's foot is soon in his [neighbour's] house: but
> a man of experience is ashamed of him.
> 
> 23
> A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that
> is well nurtured will stand without.
> 
> 24
> It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a
> wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
> 
> 25
> The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain
> not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are
> weighed in the balance.
> 
> 26
> The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the
> wise is in their heart.
> 
> 27
> When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
> 
> 28
> A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever
> he dwelleth.
> 
> Sir 22
> A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one
> will hiss him out to his disgrace.
> 
> 2
> A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every
> man that takes it up will shake his hand.
> 
> 3
> An evilnurtured man is the dishonour of his father that begat
> him: and a [foolish] daughter is born to his loss.
> 
> 4
> A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband:
> but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.
> 
> 5
> She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her
> husband, but they both shall despise her.
> 
> 6
> A tale out of season [is as] musick in mourning: but stripes
> and correction of wisdom are never out of time.
> 
> 7
> Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd
> together, and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep.
> 
> 8
> He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a
> slumber: when he hath told his tale, he will say, What is the
> matter?
> 
> 9
> If children live honestly, and have wherewithal, they shall
> cover the baseness of their parents.
> 
> 10
> But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of
> nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.
> 
> 11
> Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for
> the fool, for he wanteth understanding: make little weeping for
> the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool is worse
> than death.
> 
> 12
> Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool
> and an ungodly man all the days of his life.
> 
> 13
> Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no
> understanding: beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou
> shalt never be defiled with his fooleries: depart from him, and
> thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.
> 
> 14
> What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but
> a fool?
> 
> 15
> Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a
> man without understanding.
> 
> 16
> As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be
> loosed with shaking: so the heart that is stablished by advised
> counsel shall fear at no time.
> 
> 17
> A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair
> plaistering on the wall of a gallery.
> 
> 18
> Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind:
> so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand
> against any fear.
> 
> 19
> He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that
> pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.
> 
> 20
> Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he
> that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.
> 
> 21
> Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not:
> for there may be a returning [to favour.]
> 
> 22
> If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not;
> for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or
> pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for
> these things every friend will depart.
> 
> 23
> Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest
> rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time
> of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his
> heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor
> the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.
> 
> 24
> As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire;
> so reviling before blood.
> 
> 25
> I will not be ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide
> myself from him.
> 
> 26
> And if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth
> it will beware of him.
> 
> 27
> Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom
> upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my
> tongue destroy me not?
> 
> Sir 23
> O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me
> not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.
> 
> 2
> Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of
> wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine
> ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:
> 
> 3
> Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my
> destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy
> rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.
> 
> 4
> O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look,
> but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind.
> 
> 5
> Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou
> shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.
> 
> 6
> Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh
> take hold of me; and give not over me thy servant into an
> impudent mind.
> 
> 7
> Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that
> keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.
> 
> 8
> The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil
> speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.
> 
> 9
> Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to
> the naming of the Holy One.
> 
> 10
> For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be
> without a blue mark: so he that sweareth and nameth God
> continually shall not be faultless.
> 
> 11
> A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity,
> and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall
> offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his
> sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he
> shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of
> calamities.
> 
> 12
> There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant
> that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such
> things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in
> their sins.
> 
> 13
> Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the
> word of sin.
> 
> 14
> Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among
> great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so thou by thy
> custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born,
> and curse they day of thy nativity.
> 
> 15
> The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be
> reformed all the days of his life.
> 
> 16
> Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring
> wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be
> quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his
> flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.
> 
> 17
> All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off
> till he die.
> 
> 18
> A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who
> seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover
> me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High
> will not remember my sins:
> 
> 19
> Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that
> the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the
> sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most
> secret parts.
> 
> 20
> He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after
> they were perfected he looked upon them all.
> 
> 21
> This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and
> where he suspecteth not he shall be taken.
> 
> 22
> Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband,
> and bringeth in an heir by another.
> 
> 23
> For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and
> secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and
> thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought
> children by another man.
> 
> 24
> She shall be brought out into the congregation, and
> inquisition shall be made of her children.
> 
> 25
> Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall
> bring forth no fruit.
> 
> 26
> She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach
> shall not be blotted out.
> 
> 27
> And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better
> than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter
> than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.
> 
> 28
> It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of
> him is long life.
> 
> Sir 24
> Wisdom shall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst of
> her people.
> 
> 2
> In the congregation of the most High shall she open her
> mouth, and triumph before his power.
> 
> 3
> I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the
> earth as a cloud.
> 
> 4
> I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.
> 
> 5
> I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the
> bottom of the deep.
> 
> 6
> In the waves of the sea and in all the earth, and in every
> people and nation, I got a possession.
> 
> 7
> With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall
> I abide?
> 
> 8
> So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he
> that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy
> dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.
> 
> 9
> He created me from the beginning before the world, and I
> shall never fail.
> 
> 10
> In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I
> established in Sion.
> 
> 11
> Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in
> Jerusalem was my power.
> 
> 12
> And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion
> of the Lord's inheritance.
> 
> 13
> I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree
> upon the mountains of Hermon.
> 
> 14
> I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose
> plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and
> grew up as a plane tree by the water.
> 
> 15
> I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I
> yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and
> onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the
> tabernacle.
> 
> 16
> As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my
> branches are the branches of honour and grace.
> 
> 17
> As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers
> are the fruit of honour and riches.
> 
> 18
> I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and
> holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my
> children which are named of him.
> 
> 19
> Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill
> yourselves with my fruits.
> 
> 20
> For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance
> than the honeycomb.
> 
> 21
> They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me
> shall yet be thirsty.
> 
> 22
> He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that
> work by me shall not do amiss.
> 
> 23
> All these things are the book of the covenant of the most
> high God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage
> unto the congregations of Jacob.
> 
> 24
> Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you,
> cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside
> him there is no other Saviour.
> 
> 25
> He filleth all things with his wisdom, as Phison and as
> Tigris in the time of the new fruits.
> 
> 26
> He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as
> Jordan in the time of the harvest.
> 
> 27
> He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and
> as Geon in the time of vintage.
> 
> 28
> The first man knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last
> find her out.
> 
> 29
> For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels
> profounder than the great deep.
> 
> 30
> I also came out as a brook from a river, and as a conduit
> into a garden.
> 
> 31
> I said, I will water my best garden, and will water
> abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and
> my river became a sea.
> 
> 32
> I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will
> send forth her light afar off.
> 
> 33
> I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all
> ages for ever.
> 
> 34
> Behold that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all
> them that seek wisdom.
> 
> Sir 25
> 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
> 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.
> 
> 3
> If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou
> find any thing in thine age?
> 
> 4
> O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for
> ancient men to know counsel!
> 
> 5
> O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and
> counsel to men of honour.
> 
> 6
> Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God
> is their glory.
> 
> 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:
> 
> 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:
> 
> 9
> Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in
> the ears of them that will hear:
> 
> 10
> O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none
> above him that feareth the Lord.
> 
> 11
> But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination:
> he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?
> 
> 12
> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith
> is the beginning of cleaving unto him.
> 
> 13
> [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any
> wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:
> 
> 14
> And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate
> me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.
> 
> 15
> There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no
> wrath above the wrath of an enemy.
> 
> 16
> I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep
> house with a wicked woman.
> 
> 17
> The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth
> her countenance like sackcloth.
> 
> 18
> Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he
> heareth it shall sigh bitterly.
> 
> 19
> All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman:
> let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 21
> Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for
> pleasure.
> 
> 22
> A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger,
> impudence, and much reproach.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we
> all die.
> 
> 25
> Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to
> gad abroad.
> 
> 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.
> 
> Sir 26
> Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number
> of his days shall be double.
> 
> 2
> A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil
> the years of his life in peace.
> 
> 3
> A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the
> portion of them that fear the Lord.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 7
> An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold
> of her is as though he held a scorpion.
> 
> 8
> A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and
> she will not cover her own shame.
> 
> 9
> The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and
> eyelids.
> 
> 10
> If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she
> abuse herself through overmuch liberty.
> 
> 11
> Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass
> against thee.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 13
> The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her
> discretion will fatten his bones.
> 
> 14
> A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is
> nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
> 
> 15
> A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her
> continent mind cannot be valued.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 17
> As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the
> beauty of the face in ripe age.
> 
> 18
> As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are
> the fair feet with a constant heart.
> 
> 19
> My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy
> strength to strangers.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 21
> So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the
> confidence of their good descent.
> 
> 22
> An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman
> is a tower against death to her husband.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will
> reverence her husband.
> 
> 25
> A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is
> shamefaced will fear the Lord.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 27
> A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive
> away the enemies.
> 
> 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.
> 
> Sir 27
> Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for
> abundance will turn his eyes away.
> 
> 2
> As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones;
> so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.
> 
> 3
> Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord,
> his house shall soon be overthrown.
> 
> 4
> As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so
> the filth of man in his talk.
> 
> 5
> The furnace proveth the potter's vessels; so the trial of man
> is in his reasoning.
> 
> 6
> The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the
> utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.
> 
> 7
> Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the
> trial of men.
> 
> 8
> If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and
> put her on, as a glorious long robe.
> 
> 9
> The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return
> unto them that practise in her.
> 
> 10
> As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that
> work iniquity.
> 
> 11
> The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a
> fool changeth as the moon.
> 
> 12
> If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be
> continually among men of understanding.
> 
> 13
> The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the
> wantonness of sin.
> 
> 14
> The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand
> upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.
> 
> 15
> The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings
> are grievous to the ear.
> 
> 16
> Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never
> find friend to his mind.
> 
> 17
> Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou
> betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.
> 
> 18
> For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the
> love of thy neighbor.
> 
> 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
> 
> 20
> Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a
> roe escaped out of the snare.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 22
> He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that
> knoweth him will depart from him.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord
> will hate him.
> 
> 25
> Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and
> a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.
> 
> 26
> Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a
> trap shall be taken therein.
> 
> 27
> He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he
> shall not know whence it cometh.
> 
> 28
> Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a
> lion, shall lie in wait for them.
> 
> 29
> They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken
> in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.
> 
> 30
> Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful
> man shall have them both.
> 
> Sir 28
> He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he
> will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]
> 
> 2
> Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee,
> so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.
> 
> 3
> One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek
> pardon from the Lord?
> 
> 4
> He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth
> he ask forgiveness of his own sins?
> 
> 5
> If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for
> pardon of his sins?
> 
> 6
> Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption
> and death, and abide in the commandments.
> 
> 7
> Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy
> neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at
> ignorance.
> 
> 8
> Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a
> furious man will kindle strife,
> 
> 9
> A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among
> them that be at peace.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 11
> An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting
> sheddeth blood.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 13
> Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have
> destroyed many that were at peace.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 15
> A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and
> deprived them of their labours.
> 
> 16
> Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never
> dwell quietly.
> 
> 17
> The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the
> stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
> 
> 18
> Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as
> have fallen by the tongue.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 20
> For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof
> are bands of brass.
> 
> 21
> The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better
> than it.
> 
> 22
> It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall
> they be burned with the flame thereof.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and
> bind up thy silver and gold,
> 
> 25
> And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for
> thy mouth.
> 
> 26
> Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that
> lieth in wait.
> 
> Sir 29
> He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that
> strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.
> 
> 2
> Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy
> neighbour again in due season.
> 
> 3
> Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt
> always find the thing that is necessary for thee.
> 
> 4
> Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found,
> and put them to trouble that helped them.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 7
> Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill
> dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
> 
> 8
> Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay
> not to shew him mercy.
> 
> 9
> Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not
> away because of his poverty.
> 
> 10
> Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not
> rust under a stone to be lost.
> 
> 11
> Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most
> High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.
> 
> 12
> Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee
> from all affliction.
> 
> 13
> It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a
> mighty shield and strong spear.
> 
> 14
> An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is
> impudent will forsake him.
> 
> 15
> Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given
> his life for thee.
> 
> 16
> A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:
> 
> 17
> And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in
> danger] that delivered him.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 20
> Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that
> thou thyself fall not into the same.
> 
> 21
> The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing,
> and an house to cover shame.
> 
> 22
> Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than
> delicate fare in another man's house.
> 
> 23
> Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not
> the reproach of thy house.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 25
> Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover
> thou shalt hear bitter words:
> 
> 26
> Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that
> thou hast ready.
> 
> 27
> Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother
> cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.
> 
> 28
> These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the
> upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.
> 
> Sir 30
> He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that
> he may have joy of him in the end.
> 
> 2
> He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall
> rejoice of him among his acquaintance.
> 
> 3
> He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his
> friends he shall rejoice of him.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 5
> While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died,
> he was not sorrowful.
> 
> 6
> He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one
> that shall requite kindness to his friends.
> 
> 7
> He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds;
> and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.
> 
> 8
> An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to
> himself will be wilful.
> 
> 9
> Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with
> him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.
> 
> 10
> Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest
> thou gnash thy teeth in the end.
> 
> 11
> Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his
> follies.
> 
> 12
> Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the
> sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be
> disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.
> 
> 13
> Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd
> behaviour be an offence unto thee.
> 
> 14
> Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution,
> than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.
> 
> 15
> Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a
> strong body above infinite wealth.
> 
> 16
> There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the
> joy of the heart.
> 
> 17
> Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.
> 
> 18
> Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat
> set upon a grave.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 20
> He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that
> embraceth a virgin and sigheth.
> 
> 21
> Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself
> in thine own counsel.
> 
> 22
> The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the
> joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 24
> Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age
> before the time.
> 
> 25
> A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and
> diet.
> 
> Sir 31
> Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof
> driveth away sleep.
> 
> 2
> Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease
> breaketh sleep,
> 
> 3
> The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and
> when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.
> 
> 4
> The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth
> off, he is still needy.
> 
> 5
> He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that
> followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
> 
> 6
> Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was
> present.
> 
> 7
> It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and
> every fool shall be taken therewith.
> 
> 8
> Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath
> not gone after gold.
> 
> 9
> Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things
> hath he done among his people.
> 
> 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?
> 
> 11
> His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall
> declare his alms.
> 
> 12
> If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and
> say not, There is much meat on it.
> 
> 13
> Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is
> created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every
> occasion.
> 
> 14
> Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust
> it not with him into the dish.
> 
> 15
> Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every
> point.
> 
> 16
> Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before
> thee; and devour note, lest thou be hated.
> 
> 17
> Leave off first for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable,
> lest thou offend.
> 
> 18
> When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first
> of all.
> 
> 19
> A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he
> fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 21
> And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit,
> and thou shalt have rest.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 23
> Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him;
> and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 25
> Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed
> many.
> 
> 26
> The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the
> hearts of the proud by drunkeness.
> 
> 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.
> 
> 28
> Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the
> heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:
> 
> 29
> But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind,
> with brawling and quarrelling.
> 
> 30
> Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it
> diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.
> 
> 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.]
> 
> Sir 32
> If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up,
> but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for
> them, and so sit down.
> 
> 2
> And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that
> thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well
> ordering of the feast.
> 
> 3
> Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but
> with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.
> 
> 4
> Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not
> forth wisdom out of time.
> 
> 5
> A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of
> carbuncle set in gold.
> 
> 6
> As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the
> melody of musick with pleasant wine.
> 
> 7
> Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely
> when thou art twice asked.
> 
> 8
> Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be
> as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.
> 
> 9
> If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them;
> and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.
> 
> 10
> Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced
> man shall go favour.
> 
> 11
> Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home
> without delay.
> 
> 12
> There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by
> proud speech.
> 
> 13
> And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath
> replenished thee with his good things.
> 
> 14
> Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they
> that seek him early shall find favour.
> 
> 15
> He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the
> hypocrite will be offended thereat.
> 
> 16
> They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle
> justice as a light.
> 
> 17
> A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse
> according to his will.
> 
> 18
> A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud
> man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done
> without counsel.
> 
> 19
> Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done,
> repent not.
> 
> 20
> Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not
> among the stones.
> 
> 21
> Be not confident in a plain way.
> 
> 22
> And beware of thine own children.
> 
> 23
> In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the
> keeping of the commandments.
> 
> 24
> He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment;
> and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.
> 
> Sir 33
> There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord;
> but in temptation even again he will deliver him.
> 
> 2
> A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite
> therein is as a ship in a storm.
> 
> 3
> A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is
> faithful unto him, as an oracle.
> 
> 4
> Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up
> instruction, and then make answer.
> 
> 5
> The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his
> thoughts are like a rolling axletree.
> 
> 6
> A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under
> every one that sitteth upon him.
> 
> 7
> Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of
> every day in the year is of the sun?
> 
> 8
> By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he
> altered seasons and feasts.
> 
> 9
> Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and
> some of them hath he made ordinary days.
> 
> 10
> And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of
> earth:
> 
> 11
> In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their
> ways diverse.
> 
> 12
> Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he
> sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he
> cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.
> 
> 13
> As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his
> pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render
> to them as liketh him best.
> 
> 14
> Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the
> godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.
> 
> 15
> So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are
> two and two, one against another.
> 
> 16
> I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the
> grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and tred
> my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.
> 
> 17
> Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all
> them that seek learning.
> 
> 18
> Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your
> ears, ye rulers of the congregation.
> 
> 19
> 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.
> 
> 20
> As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not
> thyself over to any.
> 
> 21
> For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than
> that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.
> 
> 22
> In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a
> stain in thine honour.
> 
> 23
> At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy
> life, distribute thine inheritance.
> 
> 24
> Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread,
> correction, and work, for a servant. .
> 
> 25
> If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but
> if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.
> 
> 26
> A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and
> torments for an evil servant.
> 
> 27
> Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness
> teacheth much evil.
> 
> 28
> Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient,
> put on more heavy fetters.
> 
> 29
> But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do
> nothing.
> 
> 30
> If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself,
> because thou hast bought him with a price.
> 
> 31
> If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou
> hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him
> evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?
> 
> Sir 34
> The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false:
> and dreams lift up fools.
> 
> 2
> Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow,
> and followeth after the wind.
> 
> 3
> The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to
> another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.
> 
> 4
> Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing
> which is false what truth can come?
> 
> 5
> Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the
> heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.
> 
> 6
> If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set
> not thy heart upon them.
> 
> 7
> For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put
> their trust in them.
> 
> 8
> The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is
> perfection to a faithful mouth.
> 
> 9
> A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that
> hath much experience will declare wisdom.
> 
> 10
> He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath
> travelled is full of prudence.
> 
> 11
> When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more
> than I can express.
> 
> 12
> I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered
> because of these things.
> 
> 13
> The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their
> hope is in him that saveth them.
> 
> 14
> Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he
> is his hope.
> 
> 15
> Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom
> doth he look? and who is his strength?
> 
> 16
> For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is
> their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat,
> and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling,
> and an help from falling.
> 
> 17
> He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth
> health, life, and blessing.
> 
> 18
> He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his
> offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not
> accepted.
> 
> 19
> The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the
> wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of
> sacrifices.
> 
> 20
> Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as
> one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.
> 
> 21
> The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him
> thereof is a man of blood.
> 
> 22
> He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and
> he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.
> 
> 23
> When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have
> they then but labour?
> 
> 24
> When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the
> Lord hear?
> 
> 25
> He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if
> he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
> 
> 26
> So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth
> again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what
> doth his humbling profit him?
> 
> Sir 35
> He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that
> taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.
> 
> 2
> He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that
> giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
> 
> 3
> To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord;
> and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
> 
> 4
> Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
> 
> 5
> For all these things [are to be done] because of the
> commandment.
> 
> 6
> The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the
> sweet savour thereof is before the most High.
> 
> 7
> The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial
> thereof shall never be forgotten.
> 
> 8
> Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not
> the firstfruits of thine hands.
> 
> 9
> In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate
> thy tithes with gladness.
> 
> 10
> Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee;
> and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
> 
> 11
> For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as
> much.
> 
> 12
> Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not
> receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord
> is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
> 
> 13
> He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will
> hear the prayer of the oppressed.
> 
> 14
> He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor
> the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
> 
> 15
> Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her
> cry against him that causeth them to fall?
> 
> 16
> He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and
> his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.
> 
> 17
> The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it
> come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till
> the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute
> judgment.
> 
> 18
> For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be
> patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of
> the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he
> have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the
> sceptre of the unrighteous;
> 
> 19
> Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds,
> and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have
> judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his
> mercy.
> 
> 20
> Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of
> rain in the time of drought.
> 
> Sir 36
> Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:
> 
> 2
> And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after
> thee.
> 
> 3
> Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them
> see thy power.
> 
> 4
> As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou
> magnified among them before us.
> 
> 5
> And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is
> no God but only thou, O God.
> 
> 6
> Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy
> hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous
> works.
> 
> 7
> Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the
> adversary, and destroy the enemy.
> 
> 8
> Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them
> declare thy wonderful works.
> 
> 9
> Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire;
> and let them perish that oppress the people.
> 
> 10
> Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that
> say, There is none other but we.
> 
> 11
> Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou
> them, as from the beginning.
> 
> 12
> O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy
> name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.
> 
> 13
> O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy
> rest.
> 
> 14
> Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with
> thy glory:
> 
> 15
> Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the
> beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.
> 
> 16
> Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found
> faithful.
> 
> 17
> O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the
> blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell
> upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God.
> 
> 18
> The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than
> another.
> 
> 19
> As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an
> heart of understanding false speeches.
> 
> 20
> A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience
> will recompense him.
> 
> 21
> A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better
> than another.
> 
> 22
> The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man
> loveth nothing better.
> 
> 23
> If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue,
> then is not her husband like other men.
> 
> 24
> He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like
> unto himself, and a pillar of rest.
> 
> 25
> Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he
> that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning.
> 
> 26
> Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from
> city to city? so [who will believe] a man that hath no house,
> and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?
> 
> Sir 37
> Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a
> friend, which is only a friend in name.
> 
> 2
> Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is
> turned to an enemy?
> 
> 3
> O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the
> earth with deceit?
> 
> 4
> There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a
> friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.
> 
> 5
> There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly,
> and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.
> 
> 6
> Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of
> him in thy riches.
> 
> 7
> Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that
> counselleth for himself.
> 
> 8
> Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath;
> for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,
> 
> 9
> And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on
> the other side, to see what shall befall thee.
> 
> 10
> Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy
> counsel from such as envy thee.
> 
> 11
> Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is
> jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a
> merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor
> with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man
> touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with
> an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle
> servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter
> of counsel.
> 
> 12
> But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep
> the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to thy
> mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.
> 
> 13
> And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no
> man more faithful unto thee than it.
> 
> 14
> For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven
> watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.
> 
> 15
> And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct
> thy way in truth.
> 
> 16
> Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before
> every action.
> 
> 17
> The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.
> 
> 18
> Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death:
> but the tongue ruleth over them continually.
> 
> 19
> There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is
> unprofitable to himself.
> 
> 20
> There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he
> shall be destitute of all food.
> 
> 21
> For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is
> deprived of all wisdom.
> 
> 22
> Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding
> are commendable in his mouth.
> 
> 23
> A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his
> understanding fail not.
> 
> 24
> A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that
> see him shall count him happy.
> 
> 25
> The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of
> Israel are innumerable.
> 
> 26
> A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name
> shall be perpetual.
> 
> 27
> My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for
> it, and give not that unto it.
> 
> 28
> For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath
> every soul pleasure in every thing.
> 
> 29
> Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon
> meats:
> 
> 30
> For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will
> turn into choler.
> 
> 31
> By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed
> prolongeth his life.
> 
> Sir 38
> Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses
> which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.
> 
> 2
> For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive
> honour of the king.
> 
> 3
> The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the
> sight of great men he shall be in admiration.
> 
> 4
> The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that
> is wise will not abhor them.
> 
> 5
> Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue
> thereof might be known?
> 
> 6
> And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his
> marvellous works.
> 
> 7
> With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.
> 
> 8
> Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his
> works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,
> 
> 9
> My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the
> Lord, and he will make thee whole.
> 
> 10
> Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse
> thy heart from all wickedness.
> 
> 11
> Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a
> fat offering, as not being.
> 
> 12
> Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created
> him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.
> 
> 13
> There is a time when in their hands there is good success.
> 
> 14
> For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper
> that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.
> 
> 15
> He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand
> of the physician.
> 
> 16
> My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to
> lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then
> cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his
> burial.
> 
> 17
> Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as
> he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken
> of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
> 
> 18
> For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart
> breaketh strength.
> 
> 19
> In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor
> is the curse of the heart.
> 
> 20
> Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the
> last end.
> 
> 21
> Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not
> do him good, but hurt thyself.
> 
> 22
> Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday
> for me, and to day for thee.
> 
> 23
> When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be
> comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.
> 
> 24
> The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure:
> and he that hath little business shall become wise.
> 
> 25
> How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that
> glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in
> their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
> 
> 26
> He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give
> the kine fodder.
> 
> 27
> So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and
> day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make
> great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and
> watch to finish a work:
> 
> 28
> The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron
> work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth
> with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the
> anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the
> pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to
> finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:
> 
> 29
> So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel
> about with his feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and
> maketh all his work by number;
> 
> 30
> He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his
> strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over;
> and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:
> 
> 31
> All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his
> work.
> 
> 32
> Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not
> dwell where they will, nor go up and down:
> 
> 33
> They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high
> in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges' seat, nor
> understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice
> and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are
> spoken.
> 
> 34
> But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all]
> their desire is in the work of their craft.
> 
> Sir 39
> But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and
> is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom
> of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.
> 
> 2
> He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where
> subtil parables are, he will be there also.
> 
> 3
> He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be
> conversant in dark parables.
> 
> 4
> He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he
> will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the
> good and the evil among men.
> 
> 5
> He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made
> him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth
> in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.
> 
> 6
> When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit
> of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give
> thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.
> 
> 7
> He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets
> shall he meditate.
> 
> 8
> He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall
> glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
> 
> 9
> Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the
> world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall
> not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to
> generation.
> 
> 10
> Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation
> shall declare his praise.
> 
> 11
> If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and
> if he live, he shall increase it.
> 
> 12
> Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am
> filled as the moon at the full.
> 
> 13
> Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose
> growing by the brook of the field:
> 
> 14
> And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a
> lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the
> Lord in all his works.
> 
> 15
> Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of
> your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say
> after this manner:
> 
> 16
> All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever
> he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.
> 
> 17
> And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at
> time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment
> the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the
> receptacles of waters.
> 
> 18
> At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none
> can hinder, when he will save.
> 
> 19
> The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid
> from his eyes.
> 
> 20
> He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is
> nothing wonderful before him.
> 
> 21
> A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for
> he hath made all things for their uses.
> 
> 22
> His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it
> as a flood.
> 
> 23
> As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the
> heathen inherit his wrath.
> 
> 24
> As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they
> stumblingblocks unto the wicked.
> 
> 25
> For the good are good things created from the beginning: so
> evil things for sinners.
> 
> 26
> The principal things for the whole use of man's life are
> water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and
> the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.
> 
> 27
> All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners
> they are turned into evil.
> 
> 28
> There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in
> their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they
> pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made
> them.
> 
> 29
> Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created
> for vengeance;
> 
> 30
> Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword
> punishing the wicked to destruction.
> 
> 31
> They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be
> ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come,
> they shall not transgress his word.
> 
> 32
> Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon
> these things, and have left them in writing.
> 
> 33
> All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every
> needful thing in due season.
> 
> 34
> So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in
> time they shall all be well approved.
> 
> 35
> And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and
> mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.
> 
> Sir 40
> Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is
> upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their
> mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of
> all things.
> 
> 2
> Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death,
> [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;
> 
> 3
> From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is
> humbled in earth and ashes;
> 
> 4
> From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is
> clothed with a linen frock.
> 
> 5
> Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and
> anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his
> night sleep, do change his knowledge.
> 
> 6
> A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his
> sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of
> his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
> 
> 7
> When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear
> was nothing.
> 
> 8
> [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and
> that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
> 
> 9
> Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine,
> tribulation, and the scourge;
> 
> 10
> These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes
> came the flood.
> 
> 11
> All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth
> again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.
> 
> 12
> All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true
> dealing shall endure for ever.
> 
> 13
> The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and
> shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.
> 
> 14
> While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall
> transgressors come to nought.
> 
> 15
> The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many
> branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
> 
> 16
> The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall
> be pulled up before all grass.
> 
> 17
> Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness
> endureth for ever.
> 
> 18
> To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet
> life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.
> 
> 19
> Children and the building of a city continue a man's name:
> but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
> 
> 20
> Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is
> above them both.
> 
> 21
> The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant
> tongue is above them both.
> 
> 22
> Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn
> while it is green.
> 
> 23
> A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a
> wife with her husband.
> 
> 24
> Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall
> deliver more than them both.
> 
> 25
> Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is
> esteemed above them both.
> 
> 26
> Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the
> Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the
> Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
> 
> 27
> The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him
> above all glory.
> 
> 28
> My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die
> than to beg.
> 
> 29
> The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not
> to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other
> men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.
> 
> 30
> Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his
> belly there shall burn a fire.
> 
> Sir 41
> O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that
> liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath
> nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea,
> unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
> 
> 2
> O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto
> him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is
> vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost
> patience!
> 
> 3
> Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been
> before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of
> the Lord over all flesh.
> 
> 4
> And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there
> is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or
> an hundred, or a thousand years.
> 
> 5
> The children of sinners are abominable children, and they
> that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.
> 
> 6
> The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their
> posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.
> 
> 7
> The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they
> shall be reproached for his sake.
> 
> 8
> Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of
> the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your
> destruction:
> 
> 9
> And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye
> die, a curse shall be your portion.
> 
> 10
> All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the
> ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.
> 
> 11
> The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of
> sinners shall be blotted out.
> 
> 12
> Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee
> above a thousand great treasures of gold.
> 
> 13
> A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for
> ever.
> 
> 14
> My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is
> hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them
> both?
> 
> 15
> A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that
> hideth his wisdom.
> 
> 16
> Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not
> good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether
> approved in every thing.
> 
> 17
> Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie
> before a prince and a mighty man;
> 
> 18
> Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a
> congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner
> and friend;
> 
> 19
> And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest,
> and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean
> with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and
> take;
> 
> 20
> And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon
> an harlot;
> 
> 21
> And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a
> portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.
> 
> 22
> Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed;
> or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast
> given, upbraid not;
> 
> 23
> Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast
> heard; and of revealing of secrets.
> 
> 24
> So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all
> men.
> 
> Sir 42
> Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to
> sin thereby:
> 
> 2
> Of the law of the most High, and his covenant; and of
> judgment to justify the ungodly;
> 
> 3
> Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift
> of the heritage of friends;
> 
> 4
> Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or
> little;
> 
> 5
> And of merchants' indifferent selling; of much correction of
> children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.
> 
> 6
> Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up,
> where many hands are.
> 
> 7
> Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in
> writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.
> 
> 8
> Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the
> extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young: thus
> shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.
> 
> 9
> The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and
> the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she
> pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she
> should be hated:
> 
> 10
> In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with
> child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she
> should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she
> should be barren.
> 
> 11
> Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make
> thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city,
> and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before
> the multitude.
> 
> 12
> Behold not every body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of
> women.
> 
> 13
> For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.
> 
> 14
> Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a
> woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.
> 
> 15
> I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the
> things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.
> 
> 16
> The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the
> work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.
> 
> 17
> The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all
> his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled,
> that whatsoever is might be established for his glory.
> 
> 18
> He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their
> crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and
> he beholdeth the signs of the world.
> 
> 19
> He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and
> revealeth the steps of hidden things.
> 
> 20
> No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.
> 
> 21
> He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he
> is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be
> added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any
> counsellor.
> 
> 22
> Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see
> even to a spark.
> 
> 23
> All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and
> they are all obedient.
> 
> 24
> All things are double one against another: and he hath made
> nothing imperfect.
> 
> 25
> One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be
> filled with beholding his glory?
> 
> Sir 43
> The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of
> heaven, with his glorious shew;
> 
> 2
> The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a
> marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:
> 
> 3
> At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the
> burning heat thereof?
> 
> 4
> A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun
> burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery
> vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.
> 
> 5
> Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment
> runneth hastily.
> 
> 6
> He made the moon also to serve in her season for a
> declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
> 
> 7
> From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth
> in her perfection.
> 
> 8
> The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in
> her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining
> in the firmament of heaven;
> 
> 9
> The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament
> giving light in the highest places of the Lord.
> 
> 10
> At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their
> order, and never faint in their watches.
> 
> 11
> Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very
> beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
> 
> 12
> It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and
> the hands of the most High have bended it.
> 
> 13
> By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall aplace, and
> sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment.
> 
> 14
> Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth
> as fowls.
> 
> 15
> By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the
> hailstones are broken small.
> 
> 16
> At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the
> south wind bloweth.
> 
> 17
> The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth
> the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he
> scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the
> lighting of grasshoppers:
> 
> 18
> The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof,
> and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.
> 
> 19
> The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being
> congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.
> 
> 20
> When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed
> into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and
> clotheth the water as with a breastplate.
> 
> 21
> It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and
> consumeth the grass as fire.
> 
> 22
> A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew
> coming after heat refresheth.
> 
> 23
> By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands
> therein.
> 
> 24
> They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and
> when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.
> 
> 25
> For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all
> kinds of beasts and whales created.
> 
> 26
> By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his
> word all things consist.
> 
> 27
> We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he
> is all.
> 
> 28
> How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above
> all his works.
> 
> 29
> The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his
> power.
> 
> 30
> When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for
> even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth
> all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far
> enough.
> 
> 31
> Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify
> him as he is?
> 
> 32
> There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have
> seen but a few of his works.
> 
> 33
> For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he
> given wisdom.
> 
> Sir 44
> Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.
> 
> 2
> The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great
> power from the beginning.
> 
> 3
> Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for
> their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and
> declaring prophecies:
> 
> 4
> Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their
> knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are
> their instructions:
> 
> 5
> Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in
> writing:
> 
> 6
> Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their
> habitations:
> 
> 7
> All these were honoured in their generations, and were the
> glory of their times.
> 
> 8
> There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that
> their praises might be reported.
> 
> 9
> And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished,
> as though they had never been; and are become as though they had
> never been born; and their children after them.
> 
> 10
> But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not
> been forgotten.
> 
> 11
> With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance,
> and their children are within the covenant.
> 
> 12
> Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.
> 
> 13
> Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not
> be blotted out.
> 
> 14
> Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for
> evermore.
> 
> 15
> The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation
> will shew forth their praise.
> 
> 16
> Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example
> of repentance to all generations.
> 
> 17
> Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he
> was taken in exchange [for the world;] therefore was he left as
> a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.
> 
> 18
> An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh
> should perish no more by the flood.
> 
> 19
> Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there
> none like unto him;
> 
> 20
> Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with
> him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was
> proved, he was found faithful.
> 
> 21
> Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the
> nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust
> of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to
> inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part
> of the land.
> 
> 22
> With Isaac did he establish likewise [for Abraham his
> father's sake] the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And
> made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his
> blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions;
> among the twelve tribes did he part them.
> 
> Sir 45
> And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour
> in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men,
> whose memorial is blessed.
> 
> 2
> He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him,
> so that his enemies stood in fear of him.
> 
> 3
> By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him
> glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for
> his people, and shewed him part of his glory.
> 
> 4
> He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose
> him out of all men.
> 
> 5
> He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark
> cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law
> of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants,
> and Israel his judgments.
> 
> 6
> He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his
> brother, of the tribe of Levi.
> 
> 7
> An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the
> priesthood among the people; he beautified him with comely
> ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
> 
> 8
> He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich
> garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.
> 
> 9
> And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden
> bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a
> noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to
> the children of his people;
> 
> 10
> With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple,
> the work of the embroidere, with a breastplate of judgment, and
> with Urim and Thummim;
> 
> 11
> With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with
> precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of
> the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the
> number of the tribes of Israel.
> 
> 12
> He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved
> Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of
> the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
> 
> 13
> Before him there were none such, neither did ever any
> stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's
> children perpetually.
> 
> 14
> Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice
> continually.
> 
> 15
> Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this
> was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his
> seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should
> minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and
> bless the people in his name.
> 
> 16
> He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the
> Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make
> reconciliation for his people.
> 
> 17
> He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the
> statutes of judgments, that he should teach Jacob the
> testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.
> 
> 18
> Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in
> the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's
> side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.
> 
> 19
> This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful
> indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to
> consume them with the fiery flame.
> 
> 20
> But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage,
> and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially
> he prepared bread in abundance:
> 
> 21
> For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave
> unto him and his seed.
> 
> 22
> Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance,
> neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord
> himself is his portion and inheritance.
> 
> 23
> The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he
> had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage
> of heart: when the people were turned back, and made
> reconciliation for Israel.
> 
> 24
> Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that
> he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and
> that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the
> priesthood for ever:
> 
> 25
> According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of
> the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to
> his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be
> unto his seed.
> 
> 26
> God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in
> righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that
> their glory may endure for ever.
> 
> Sir 46
> Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the
> successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was
> made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking
> vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he
> might set Israel in their inheritance.
> 
> 2
> How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and
> stretched out his sword against the cities!
> 
> 3
> Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought
> his enemies unto him.
> 
> 4
> Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as
> long as two?
> 
> 5
> He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed
> upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.
> 
> 6
> And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to
> fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent [of
> Beth-horon] he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations
> might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of
> the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.
> 
> 7
> In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and
> Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the
> congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the
> wicked murmuring.
> 
> 8
> And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were
> preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even unto the land
> that floweth with milk and honey.
> 
> 9
> The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with
> him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of
> the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:
> 
> 10
> That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to
> follow the Lord.
> 
> 11
> And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart
> went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory
> be blessed.
> 
> 12
> Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name
> of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.
> 
> 13
> Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord,
> established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.
> 
> 14
> By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the
> Lord had respect unto Jacob.
> 
> 15
> By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his
> word he was known to be faithful in vision.
> 
> 16
> He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon
> him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.
> 
> 17
> And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise
> made his voice to be heard.
> 
> 18
> And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the
> princes cf the Philistines.
> 
> 19
> And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight
> of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods,
> so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.
> 
> 20
> And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his
> end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot
> out the wickedness of the people.
> 
> Sir 47
> And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of
> David.
> 
> 2
> As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was
> David chosen out of the children of Israel.
> 
> 3
> He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with
> lambs.
> 
> 4
> Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he
> not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his
> hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of
> Goliath?
> 
> 5
> For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him
> strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set
> up the horn of his people.
> 
> 6
> So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised
> him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of
> glory.
> 
> 7
> For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to
> nought the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in
> sunder unto this day.
> 
> 8
> In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words
> of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that
> made him.
> 
> 9
> He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices
> they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their
> songs.
> 
> 10
> He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times
> until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that
> the temple might sound from morning.
> 
> 11
> The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever:
> he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in
> Israel.
> 
> 12
> After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at
> large.
> 
> 13
> Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for
> God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house
> in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
> 
> 14
> How wise wast thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled with
> understanding!
> 
> 15
> Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with
> dark parables.
> 
> 16
> Thy name went far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou
> wast beloved.
> 
> 17
> The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs,
> and parables, and interpretations.
> 
> 18
> By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of
> Israel, thou didst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver
> as lead.
> 
> 19
> Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou
> wast brought into subjection.
> 
> 20
> Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that
> thou broughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for
> thy folly.
> 
> 21
> So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a
> rebellious kingdom.
> 
> 22
> But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall
> any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity
> of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not
> take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of
> him a root unto David.
> 
> 23
> Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left
> behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one
> that had no understanding, who turned away the people through
> his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
> caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:
> 
> 24
> And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were
> driven out of the land.
> 
> 25
> For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came
> upon them.
> 
> Sir 48
> Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned
> like a lamp.
> 
> 2
> He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he
> diminished their number.
> 
> 3
> By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three
> times brought down fire.
> 
> 4
> O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and
> who may glory like unto thee!
> 
> 5
> Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from
> the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:
> 
> 6
> Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honorable men from
> their bed:
> 
> 7
> Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb
> the judgment of vengeance:
> 
> 8
> Who annointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to
> succeed after him:
> 
> 9
> Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of
> fiery horses:
> 
> 10
> Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the
> wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury,
> and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore
> the tribes of Jacob.
> 
> 11
> Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we
> shall surely live.
> 
> 12
> Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus
> was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved
> with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him
> into subjection.
> 
> 13
> No word could overcome him; and after his death his body
> prophesied.
> 
> 14
> He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works
> marvellous.
> 
> 15
> For all this the people repented not, neither departed they
> from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their
> land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there
> remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
> 
> 16
> Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some
> multiplied sins.
> 
> 17
> Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the
> midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells
> for waters.
> 
> 18
> In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and
> lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.
> 
> 19
> Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain,
> as women in travail.
> 
> 20
> But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and
> stretched out their hands toward him: and immediately the Holy
> One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry
> of Esay.
> 
> 21
> He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed
> them.
> 
> 22
> For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was
> strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who
> was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.
> 
> 23
> In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the
> king's life.
> 
> 24
> He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the
> last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.
> 
> 25
> He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret
> things or ever they came.
> 
> Sir 49
> The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the
> perfume that is made by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet
> as honey in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of wine.
> 
> 2
> He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people,
> and took away the abominations of iniquity.
> 
> 3
> He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the
> ungodly he established the worship of God.
> 
> 4
> All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for
> they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda
> failed.
> 
> 5
> Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to
> a strange nation.
> 
> 6
> They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the
> streets desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.
> 
> 7
> For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet,
> sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and
> afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also, and
> plant.
> 
> 8
> It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed
> him upon the chariot of the cherubims.
> 
> 9
> For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the
> rain, and directed them that went right.
> 
> 10
> And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and
> let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they
> comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.
> 
> 11
> How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on
> the right hand:
> 
> 12
> So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded
> the house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was
> prepared for everlasting glory.
> 
> 13
> And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who
> raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the
> gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.
> 
> 14
> But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was
> taken from the earth.
> 
> 15
> Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of
> his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of
> the Lord.
> 
> 16
> Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam
> above every living thing in creation.
> 
> Sir 50
> Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life
> repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:
> 
> 2
> And by him was built from the foundation the double height,
> the high fortress of the wall about the temple:
> 
> 3
> In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as
> the sea, was covered with plates of brass:
> 
> 4
> He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and
> fortified the city against besieging:
> 
> 5
> How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming
> out of the sanctuary!
> 
> 6
> He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as
> the moon at the full:
> 
> 7
> As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as
> the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:
> 
> 8
> And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as
> lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the
> frankincense tree in the time of summer:
> 
> 9
> As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten
> gold set with all manner of precious stones:
> 
> 10
> And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a
> cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds.
> 
> 11
> When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the
> perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made
> the garment of holiness honourable.
> 
> 12
> When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he
> himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a
> young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him
> round about.
> 
> 13
> So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the
> oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the
> congregation of Israel.
> 
> 14
> And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn
> the offering of the most high Almighty,
> 
> 15
> He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood
> of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a
> sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.
> 
> 16
> Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver
> trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance
> before the most High.
> 
> 17
> Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the
> earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the
> most High.
> 
> 18
> The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great
> variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.
> 
> 19
> And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer
> before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was
> ended, and they had finished his service.
> 
> 20
> Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole
> congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of
> the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.
> 
> 21
> And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time,
> that they might receive a blessing from the most High.
> 
> 22
> Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth
> wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the
> womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy.
> 
> 23
> He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our
> days in Israel for ever:
> 
> 24
> That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at
> his time!
> 
> 25
> There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and
> the third is no nation:
> 
> 26
> They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that
> dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell
> in Sichem.
> 
> 27
> Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this
> book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of
> his heart poured forth wisdom.
> 
> 28
> Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he
> that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.
> 
> 29
> For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the
> light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly.
> Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.
> 
> [A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach.]
> 
> Sir 51
> I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my
> Saviour: I do give praise unto thy name:
> 
> 2
> For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my
> body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous
> tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been mine
> helper against mine adversaries:
> 
> 3
> And hast delivered me, according to the multitude of they
> mercies and greatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that
> were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought
> after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;
> 
> 4
> From the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of
> the fire which I kindled not;
> 
> 5
> From the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue,
> and from lying words.
> 
> 6
> By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my
> soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell
> beneath.
> 
> 7
> They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help
> me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.
> 
> 8
> Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of
> old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them
> out of the hands of the enemies.
> 
> 9
> Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth, and prayed
> for deliverance from death.
> 
> 10
> I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would
> not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the
> proud, when there was no help.
> 
> 11
> I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praises
> with thanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard:
> 
> 12
> For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from
> the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee,
> and bless they name, O Lord.
> 
> 13
> When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom
> openly in my prayer.
> 
> 14
> I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her out
> even to the end.
> 
> 15
> Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart
> delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up
> sought I after her.
> 
> 16
> I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat
> much learning.
> 
> 17
> I profited therein, therefore will I ascribe glory unto him
> that giveth me wisdom.
> 
> 18
> For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that
> which is good; so shall I not be confounded.
> 
> 19
> My soul hath wrestled with her, and in my doings I was exact:
> I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above,
> and bewailed my ignorances of her.
> 
> 20
> I directed my soul unto her, and I found her in pureness:
> I have had my heart joined with her from the beginning,
> therefore shall I not be foresaken.
> 
> 21
> My heart was troubled in seeking her: therefore have I gotten
> a good possession.
> 
> 22
> The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward,
> and I will praise him therewith.
> 
> 23
> Draw near unto me, ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.
> 
> 24
> Wherefore are ye slow, and what say ye to these things,
> seeing your souls are very thirsty?
> 
> 25
> I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.
> 
> 26
> Put your neck under the yoke, and let your soul receive
> instruction: she is hard at hand to find.
> 
> 27
> Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and
> have gotten unto me much rest.
> 
> 28
> Get learning with a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.
> 
> 29
> Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.
> 
> 30
> Work your work betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.
>
> — *Sirach*