Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 1. Evil will not befall the man who fears the Lord, But in trial He will deliver him again and again. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 2. A wise man will not hate the law, But he who pretends to keep it is like a ship in a storm. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 3. A man of understanding will trust in the law, And to him the law is trustworthy because it is a divine revelation. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 4. Prepare what to say and thus you will be heard. Draw on your training and make your reply. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 5. The heart of a fool resembles a wagon wheel, And his reasoning is like a turning axle. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 6. A lusty stallion is like a mocking friend; He impregnates everyone who sits under him.
Reflecting on Creation
Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 7. Why is one day better than another, When all the light of a day in the year is from the sun? Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 8. They were separated by the knowledge of the Lord, And He changed the seasons and feasts. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 9. Some days He exalted and sanctified, And some days He made ordinary. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 10. All men are from the ground, For Adam was created from the earth. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 11. In the fullness of knowledge the Lord separated them And changed their paths. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 12. Some days He blessed and exalted, And some days He sanctified and drew near to Himself. Some days He has cursed and humbled And removed from their place. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 13. All His ways are according to His good pleasure. Like clay in a potter's hand, Thus men are in the hand of Him who made them, To render to them according to His judgment.
Opposites
Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 14. Good is the opposite of evil, and life is the opposite of death. In the same way, a sinner is the opposite of a godly man. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 15. Look, therefore, upon all the works of the Most High: They also come in pairs, one the opposite of the other. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 16. I kept the last watch like one gleaning after the harvest. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 17. By the blessing of the Lord I arrived in time, And like a grape-picker I filled my winepress. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 18. Observe well that I did not labor for myself alone, But for all who seek instruction.
Careful Leadership
Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 19. Hear me, you leaders of the people, And you rulers of the assembly, listen to me. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 20. Do not give authority over yourself while you are still living To your son or your wife, nor toy our brother or a friend; And do not give your property to another, Lest you change your mind and need to beg for it. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 21. While you are still alive and there is breath in you, Do not change places with anyone. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 22. For it is better that your children should ask from you Than that you should look to the hands of your sons. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 23. Be outstanding in all your works; Do not put a blemish on your reputation. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 24. On the day when the days of your life are fulfilled, At the time of your death, distribute the inheritance.
Relating to Servants
Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 25. Fodder, the rod, and a burden are for a donkey, And bread, instruction, and work are for a servant. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 26. Make a servant work, and you will find rest; Leave his hands idle and he will seek freedom. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 27. Yoke and strap will bend the neck, And racks and tortures are for an evil servant. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 28. Put him to work that he may not be idle, For idleness teaches much evil. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 29. Set him to the work appropriate for him; And if he is not obedient, put heavy chains on his feet. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 30. And do not act superior toward any flesh, And do nothing without judgment. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 31. If you own a servant, let him be as yourself, For with your blood you bought him. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 32. If you own a servant, treat him as a brother. For you will need him as your own soul. Wisdom of Sirach 33, verse 33. If you treat him badly and he runs away, Which way will you go look for him?