Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 1. Many have sinned to make a profit, And he who seeks riches will turn away his eyes. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 2. As a stake will be driven tightly between fitted stones, So sin will be wedged between selling and buying. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 3. If a man does not hold steadfastly to the fear of the Lord, His house will be soon overturned.
Tested by Reason
Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 4. When a sieve is shaken, the refuse remains; So a man's filth remains in the way he reasons. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 5. As a furnace tests a potter's vessels, So the test of a man is in the way he reasons. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 6. As fruit reveals how a tree is cultivated, So a man's reasoning process reveals his heart. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 7. Do not praise a man before he reveals the way he reasons, For this is the way a man is tested. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 8. If you pursue righteousness, you will attain it And put it on like a glorious robe. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 9. As birds flock with their own kind, So also truth will return to those who practice it. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 10. As a lion lies in wait for his prey, So sin lies in wait for those who do wrong.
Speaking Wisely
Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 11. The talk of a godly man is always wise, But a fool changes like the moon. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 12. Among senseless men, limit your time; Instead, spend it with men of understanding. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 13. The talk of fools is offensive, And they laugh at the lewdness of sin. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 14. Speech filled with swearing will make one's hair stand on end, And quarreling will make one stop his ears. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 15. The quarreling of the arrogant leads to bloodshed, And their abusive language is hard on the ears. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 16. He who reveals secrets destroys his credibility, And he will not find a friend for life. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 17. Love your friend, And be trustworthy with him; But if you reveal his secrets, do not pursue him closely. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 18. For as surely as a man has destroy ed his enemy, So you have destroy ed the friendship of your neighbor. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 19. As you might release a bird from your hand, So you have let your neighbor go; And you will not catch him. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 20. Do not pursue him, for he has withdrawn far away And has escaped like a deer from a snare. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 21. For a wound can be bandaged and an insult forgiven, But anyone who reveals secrets is without hope. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 22. He who winks with his eye plots evil deeds, And no one can draw him away from them. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 23. His speech will be sweet in your presence, And he will marvel at your words; But later his speech will distort what you said, And he will cause trouble with your words. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 24. I hate many things, but none in comparison to him; And the Lord will hate him.
Consequences of Sin
Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 25. He who throws a stone into the air Throws it on his head, And a treacherous blow will distribute wounds. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 26. He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who sets a snare will be caught in it. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 27. He who does evil things will have it roll back on him, And he will not know what hit him. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 28. Mockery and abuse come back on an arrogant man, And vengeance lies in wait for him like a lion. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 29. Those who rejoice at the fall of the godly Will be caught in a trap, And pain will consume them before their death. Wisdom of Sirach 27, verse 30. Anger and wrath, these are also abominations, And a sinful man shall possess both.