Sirach 4
4
Sirach 4
Duties toward the Poor and the Oppressed
1 #
Lev 19.13
My 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.
3 #
Prov 3.27, 28 Do not add to the troubles of the angry
or delay giving to the needy.
4 #
Tob 4.7
Do not reject a suppliant in distress
or turn your face away from the poor.
5 #
Prov 28.27
Do not avert your eye from the needy,
and give no one reason to curse you,
6 #
Deut 15.9; Job 34.28; Prov 28.27; Jas 5.4 for 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 kindly.
9 #
Isa 1.17; Jer 22.3 Rescue the oppressed from the oppressor,
and do not be hesitant in giving a verdict.
10 #
Job 31.18; Isa 49.15; Lk 6.35; Jas 1.27 Be 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
11 #
Prov 4.8; Sir 6.27 Wisdom teaches#4.11 Heb Syr: Gk exalts her children
and takes hold of those who seek her.
12 #
Prov 3.18; 8.17; Sir 32.14 Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her from early morning will be filled with joy.
13 #
Prov 3.35
Whoever 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.
15Whoever obeys her will judge the nations,
and whoever listens to her will live securely.
16If they remain faithful, they will inherit her;
their descendants will also obtain her.
17 #
Heb 12.13
For at first she will walk with them in disguise;
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.
20 #
Sir 41.16; Col 4.5 Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil,
and do not be ashamed to be yourself.
21 #
Sir 20.22; 42.1–8 For there is a shame that leads to sin,
and there is a shame that is glory and favor.
22 #
v 27
; Sir 42.1Do not show partiality to your own harm
or deference to your downfall.
23 #
Lev 19.17
Do 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 Other ancient authorities 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.
26 #
Prov 28.13; Jas 5.16; 1 Jn 1.8, 9 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27 #
v 22
; Jas 2.9Do 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.
29 #
Prov 29.20; Sir 1.29; 5.13; Jas 1.19 Do not be reckless in your speech
or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
30 #
Prov 28.15; Eph 6.9 Do not be like a lion in your home
or suspicious of your slaves.
31 #
Sir 29.2; Acts 20.35 Do not let your hand be stretched out to receive
and closed when it is time to give back.
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Sirach 4: NRSVUE
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.