Sirach 4
4
1Students, if the poor
work for you,
don't cheat on their wages,
but pay them right away.
2Don't disappoint the hungry
or upset the needy.
3And if they are upset already,
don't make things worse
by being slow in giving them
what they need.
4When people ask for help,
don't turn them down;
and if others are in need,
don't turn away.
5If you pretend not to notice,
they will have good reason
to curse you.
6And if their curses flow
from hearts you made bitter,
God, the Creator, will hear them
and do what they ask.
7Be friendly to everyone
in the community
and show proper respect
to the town leaders.
8When the poor greet you,
be polite and greet them
in return.
9Rescue everyone
who suffers from injustice;
have the courage
to make the right decisions;
10provide for orphans and widows,
as if they were your own
children or wife.
Then you will be a true child
of God Most High,
and he will love you more
than your own mother does.
Love and Obey Wisdom
11If you study Wisdom,
you will become her child,
and she will help you
be successful.
12If you love life
and want to find happiness,
love Wisdom enough
to get up early and study.
13Hold tightly to her—
you will receive glory,
and the Lord will bless
everyone around you.
14To obey her is to worship
the Holy Lord God,
and if you love Wisdom,
the Lord will love you.
15Pay attention and obey Wisdom;
you will live in safety
and even rule nations.
16Remain faithful to her,
and she will belong to you
and your descendants.
17At first, Wisdom will test you
with her commands,
and you will walk in fear
along twisting pathways.
Her discipline
will bring suffering
until you are truly faithful.
18But then she will return
straight to you,
bringing happiness
and telling her secrets.
19But if you wander away,
she will let you go off
to your doom.
How To Live Wisely
20Be on your guard against evil,
but use every opportunity
for doing good.
And don't be ashamed
of who you are.
21To be ashamed of your sins
leads to forgiveness
and honor,
but some other kinds of shame
are sins themselves.
22If you play favorites
or let bullies push you around,
you will get hurt.
23If you can make things right
by speaking up, then do so.
Don't let the opinions of others
make you hide your wisdom.#4.23 Don't let … your wisdom: Some Greek manuscripts; Hebrew and two ancient translations “Don't hide your wisdom”; most Greek manuscripts do not have these words.
24If your wisdom and knowledge
are to make any difference,
you will have to speak.
25Don't ever try
to make the truth seem false,
but always be humble
about things you don't know.
26Don't try to hide your sins
from God—
it would be easier
to stop a river from flowing.
27Never promise to obey a fool,
and don't play favorites
while a ruler is watching.
28And even if you risk your life
fighting for truth,
the Lord God will be there,
fighting by your side.
29Don't be arrogant
in what you say,
or slow and weak
in what you do.
30When you are at home,
don't be fierce as a lion
or suspicious of servants.
31 #
Ac 20.35. Don't hold out your hand
when it's time to receive,
then close your fist
when it's time to give.
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Sirach 4: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.