Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 4
4
Duties toward the Poor and the Oppressed
1My child, do not cheat the poor of their living,
and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
2Do not grieve the hungry,
or anger one in need.
3Do not add to the troubles of the desperate,
or delay giving to the needy.
4Do not reject a suppliant in distress,
or turn your face away from the poor.
5Do not avert your eye from the needy,
and give no one reason to curse you;
6for if in bitterness of soul some should curse you,
their Creator will hear their prayer.
7Endear yourself to the congregation;
bow your head low to the great.
8Give a hearing to the poor,
and return their greeting politely.
9Rescue the oppressed from the oppressor;
and do not be hesitant in giving a verdict.
10Be a father to orphans,
and be like a husband to their mother;
you will then be like a son of the Most High,
and he will love you more than does your mother.
The Rewards of Wisdom
11Wisdom teaches#4.11 Heb Syr: Gk exalts her children
and gives help to those who seek her.
12Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her from early morning are filled with joy.
13Whoever holds her fast inherits glory,
and the Lord blesses the place she#4.13 Or he enters.
14Those who serve her minister to the Holy One;
the Lord loves those who love her.
15Those who obey her will judge the nations,
and all who listen to her will live secure.
16If they remain faithful, they will inherit her;
their descendants will also obtain her.
17For at first she will walk with them on tortuous paths;
she will bring fear and dread upon them,
and will torment them by her discipline
until she trusts them,#4.17 Or until they remain faithful in their heart
and she will test them with her ordinances.
18Then she will come straight back to them again and gladden them,
and will reveal her secrets to them.
19If they go astray she will forsake them,
and hand them over to their ruin.
20Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil,
and do not be ashamed to be yourself.
21For there is a shame that leads to sin,
and there is a shame that is glory and favor.
22Do not show partiality, to your own harm,
or deference, to your downfall.
23Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment,#4.23 Heb: Gk at a time of salvation
and do not hide your wisdom.#4.23 So some Gk Mss and Heb Syr Lat: Other Gk Mss lack and do not hide your wisdom
24For wisdom becomes known through speech,
and education through the words of the tongue.
25Never speak against the truth,
but be ashamed of your ignorance.
26Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27Do not subject yourself to a fool,
or show partiality to a ruler.
28Fight to the death for truth,
and the Lord God will fight for you.
29Do not be reckless in your speech,
or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
30Do not be like a lion in your home,
or suspicious of your servants.
31Do not let your hand be stretched out to receive
and closed when it is time to give.
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 4: 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.