Sirach 11
11
1The wisdom of humble people
raises up their heads,
and it will seat them among officials.
2Don’t praise people
for their beautiful looks,
and don’t despise people
for their appearance.
3The bee is small among flying creatures,
but its produce is the origin
of everything sweet.
4Don’t take pride in the way you dress,
and don’t promote yourself
when you are being honored,#11.4 Heb Don’t mock someone wearing a linen undergarment, and don’t make fun of someone in bitter circumstances.
because the Lord’s works
are wonderful,
and his works are hidden
from humans.
5Many tyrants have sat on the ground,
and one who was never expected
to rule has worn a crown.
6Many rulers have been
completely dishonored,
and those once held in honor
have been handed over to others.
On deliberation
7Don’t find fault before you investigate;
consider first, and then reprimand.
8Don’t answer before you listen,
and don’t interrupt someone
who is speaking.
9Don’t argue about something
that doesn’t matter to you,
and don’t deliberate in a court case
between sinners.
10My child, don’t be busy with many things;
if you multiply pursuits,
you won’t be held guiltless.
If you pursue them,
you won’t overtake them,
and when you flee, you won’t escape.
11Some people work hard, struggle,
and hurry—
and end up even more deeply in need.
12Others are sluggish and need support,
lacking strength
and immersed in poverty.
The Lord has looked upon them
with kindness,
and has restored them
from their low position.
13He has raised up their heads,
and many have been amazed at them.
14Good things and bad, life and death,
poverty and wealth come from the Lord.#11.14 LXXb adds 11:15–16 Wisdom and knowledge and understanding of the law are from the Lord; love and the ways of good works come from him. Error and darkness were created together with sinners, and evil grows old along with those who exult in evil.
17The Lord’s gift remains with the godly,
and his favor will always bring success.
18Some become rich from diligence
and greed,#11.18 Heb self-denial
and this is part of their reward:
19When they say, “I’ve found rest,
and now I’ll eat of my good things,”
they don’t know when the time
will come
when they will leave these things
to others and die.
20Stand by your agreement,
devote attention to accomplishing it,
and grow old in your work.
21Don’t be amazed at the works of sinners,
but trust in the Lord
and continue your work,
because it is easy in God’s sight
to make the poor person
quickly and suddenly rich.
22The Lord’s blessing is part
of the godly person’s wages,
and God’s good pleasure
causes a person to flourish very quickly.
23Don’t say, “What do I need?
What good things will be mine
from now on?”
24Don’t say, “I have enough.
What harm can come upon me
from now on?”
25At a time of prosperity,
adversity is forgotten,
and at a time of adversity,
prosperity is not remembered.
26It is easy for the Lord to pay back people
according to their ways
in the hour of death.
27An hour of misery
makes one forget luxury;
the end of a person’s life
reveals his or her deeds.
28Don’t call anyone happy
before their death;
people are known
through their children.#11.28 Heb A person is known by the way he or she dies.
Friends and associates
29Don’t bring just anyone into your house,
because deceitful people
set many ambushes.
30The hearts of arrogant people
are like decoy birds in a cage;
and like spies
they will observe your downfall.#11.30 Heb weakness
31They set up ambushes
and turn good into bad;
they place blame
on praiseworthy actions.
32From a fire’s spark come many coals,
and sinful people plot and connive
to shed blood.
33Beware of evildoers, for they plan
evil things, and they might bring
lasting disgrace upon you.
34If you allow strangers to live with you,
they will twist you around in confusion
and make you a stranger
to your own family.
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Sirach 11: CEB
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