Care of the Poor and Needy
Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 1. My son, do not deprive the poor of his living, And do not keep eyes in need waiting. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 2. Do not grieve a soul who is hungry, Nor provoke to anger a man in despair. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 3. Do not trouble a heart that was made resentful, And do not put off the gift of a man in need. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 4. Do not reject a suppliant who is afflicted, Nor turn your face away from a poor man. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 5. Do not turn your eye away from a needy man, And do not give a man occasion to curse you; Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 6. For if he curses you in the bitterness of his soul, His Maker will hear his prayer. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 7. Make yourself beloved in the assembly And bow your head to a great man. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 8. Incline your ear to a poor man And answer him peaceably and with gentleness. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 9. Deliver a person who has been wronged From the hand of the wrongdoer, And do not be fainthearted when you judge his case. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 10. Be like a father to orphans And like a husband to their mother; And you will be like a son of the Most High, And He will love you more than your mother.
Pursuit of Wisdom
Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 11. Wisdom exalts her children And lays hold of those who seek her. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 12. Whoever loves her loves life, And those who come to her early in the morning Will be filled with gladness. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 13. He who holds fast to her will inherit glory, And the Lord blesses every place she enters. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 14. Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One, And the Lord loves those who love her. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 15. He who obeys her will judge the nations; And he that gives heed to her will live with confidence. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 16. If he trusts in her, he will inherit her, And his posterity will be in possession of her. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 17. At first she will walk with him on disturbing paths And bring fear and dread upon him; And she will torment him with her discipline Until she can trust his soul And test him with her ordinances. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 18. Then she will come straight back to him, And will gladden him, and reveal her secrets to him. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 19. If he wanders away, she will forsake him And hand him over to his ruin.
Shame and Sin
Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 20. Watch for a proper opportunity and keep yourself from evil; And do not bring shame upon your soul. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 21. For there is a shame that brings sin, And there is a shame which is glory and grace. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 22. Do not show partiality to someone to your own harm, And do not let your respect for another cause you to fall. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 23. Do not withhold a word in time of need; Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 24. For wisdom is made known by a word, And instruction by a word of the tongue. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 25. Do not speak against the truth, And do not be put to shame by your ignorance. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 26. Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, And do not exercise force against the current of a river. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 27. Do not subject yourself to a foolish man, And do not show partiality to a ruler. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 28. Fight to the death for the truth, And the Lord God will fight for you. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 29. Do not be rash with your tongue And sluggish and neglectful in your works. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 30. Do not be like a lion in your home And act in pretense with your servants. Wisdom of Sirach 4, verse 31. Do not let your hand be extended to receive And shut when you should repay.