Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 34
34
Dreams Mean Nothing
1The senseless have vain and false hopes,
and dreams give wings to fools.
2As one who catches at a shadow and pursues the wind,
so is anyone who believes in#34.2 Syr: Gk pays heed to dreams.
3What is seen in dreams is but a reflection,
the likeness of a face looking at itself.
4From an unclean thing what can be clean?
And from something false what can be true?
5Divinations and omens and dreams are unreal,
and like a woman in labor, the mind has fantasies.
6Unless they are sent by intervention from the Most High,
pay no attention to them.
7For dreams have deceived many,
and those who put their hope in them have perished.
8Without such deceptions the law will be fulfilled,
and wisdom is complete in the mouth of the faithful.
Experience as a Teacher
9An educated#34.9 Other ancient authorities read A traveled person knows many things,
and one with much experience knows what he is talking about.
10An inexperienced person knows few things,
11but he that has traveled acquires much cleverness.
12I have seen many things in my travels,
and I understand more than I can express.
13I have often been in danger of death,
but have escaped because of these experiences.
Fear the Lord
14The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live,
15for their hope is in him who saves them.
16Those who fear the Lord will not be timid,
or play the coward, for he is their hope.
17Happy is the soul that fears the Lord!
18To whom does he look? And who is his support?
19The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him,
a mighty shield and strong support,
a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun,
a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.
20He lifts up the soul and makes the eyes sparkle;
he gives health and life and blessing.
Offering Sacrifices
21If one sacrifices ill-gotten goods, the offering is blemished;#34.21 Other ancient authorities read is made in mockery
22the gifts#34.22 Other ancient authorities read mockeries of the lawless are not acceptable.
23The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the ungodly,
nor for a multitude of sacrifices does he forgive sins.
24Like one who kills a son before his father's eyes
is the person who offers a sacrifice from the property of the poor.
25The bread of the needy is the life of the poor;
whoever deprives them of it is a murderer.
26To take away a neighbor's living is to commit murder;
27to deprive an employee of wages is to shed blood.
28When one builds and another tears down,
what do they gain but hard work?
29When one prays and another curses,
to whose voice will the Lord listen?
30If one washes after touching a corpse, and touches it again,
what has been gained by washing?
31So if one fasts for his sins,
and goes again and does the same things,
who will listen to his prayer?
And what has he gained by humbling himself?
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 34: NRSV-CI
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.