Life's Afflictions
Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 1. Hard work was created for every man And a heavy yoke for the sons of Adam, From the day they come forth from their mother's womb until the day they return to the mother of all. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 2. The conception of things to come and the day of death Trouble their thoughts and cause fear of heart— Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 3. From the one sitting on a glorious throne To the one humbled in earth and ashes, Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 4. From the one wearing purple and a crown To the one clothed in burlap, There is anger, envy, trouble, and unrest, And fear of death and fury and strife. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 5. When it is time for rest on his bed, His night of sleep alters his knowledge. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 6. He gets little or no rest, and afterward in his sleep, As though on a day of watch, He is troubled by the vision of his heart, Like one who escapes from the face of battle. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 7. In the exact time of need he awakes And is amazed there was nothing to fear. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 8. With all flesh, from man to animal, And upon sinners seven times more, there will be: Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 9. Death and bloodshed; strife and the sword; Distresses and famine; and ruin and affliction. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 10. All these things were created for the lawless, And because of them the flood came. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 11. Whatever comes from the earth returns to the earth, And whatever comes from the waters returns to the sea.
The Wise and Unwise
Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 12. Every bribe and wrongdoing will be blotted out, But faithfulness shall stand forever. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 13. The wealth of the unrighteous will dry up like a river And sound forth and cease like great thunder in the rain. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 14. A generous man will rejoice, But transgressors will come to ruin. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 15. The offspring of the ungodly shall not grow branches, For they are unclean roots on a hard rock. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 16. Weeds growing by any water or riverbank Will be plucked out before any grass. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 17. Grace is like a paradise in blessing, And almsgiving endures forever. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 18. The life of the self-reliant and the worker will be sweet, But he who finds a treasure is better off than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 19. Having children and building a city establish a name, But a blameless wife is accounted better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 20. Wine and music gladden the heart, But love of wisdom is better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 21. The flute and harp give sweet melody, But a pleasant tongue is better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 22. The eye will desire grace and beauty, But the green shoots of grain are better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 23. A friend and companion meet at an appointed time, But a wife meeting with her husband is better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 24. Brothers and help are for a time of affliction, But almsgiving rescues better than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 25. Gold and silver will make the foot secure, But counsel is esteemed more valuable than both. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 26. Wealth and strength will lift up the heart, But the fear of the Lord is better than both. There is no loss in the fear of the Lord, And with it there is no need to seek for help. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 27. The fear of the Lord is like a paradise of blessing And covers a man better than any glory. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 28. My child, do not live the life of a beggar, For it is better to die than to beg. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 29. When a man looks at another's table, He is living an irrational life. For he will pollute his soul with another's food. But a rational and educated man will guard himself against that. Wisdom of Sirach 40, verse 30. Begging will be sweet in the mouth of a shameless man, But in his belly a fire will be kindled.