Sirach 34
34
1Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding.
Dreams give wings to fools.
2As one who grasps at a shadow and follows after the wind,
so is he who sets his mind on dreams.
3The vision of dreams is a reflection,
the likeness of a face near a face.
4From an unclean thing what can be cleansed?
From that which is false what can be true?
5Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain.
The heart has fantasies like a woman in labor.
6If they are not sent in a visitation from the Most High,
don’t give your heart to them.
7For dreams have led many astray.
They have failed by putting their hope in them.
8Without lying the law will be fulfilled.
Wisdom is complete in a faithful mouth.
9A well-instructed man knows many things.
He who has much experience will declare understanding.
10He who has no experience knows few things.
But he who has traveled increases cleverness.
11I have seen many things in my travels.
My understanding is more than my words.
12I was often in danger even to death.
I was preserved because of these experiences.
13The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live,
for their hope is in him who saves them.
14Whoever fears the Lord won’t be afraid, and won’t be a coward,
for he is his hope.
15Blessed is the soul of him who fears the Lord.
To whom does he give heed? Who is his support?
16The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him,
a mighty protection and strong support,
a cover from the hot blast, a shade from the noonday sun,
a guard from stumbling, and a help from falling.
17He raises up the soul, and enlightens the eyes.
He gives health, life, and blessing.
18He who sacrifices a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery.
The mockeries of wicked men are not acceptable.
19The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly,
Neither is he pacified for sins by the multitude of sacrifices.
20Like one who kills a son before his father’s eyes
is he who brings a sacrifice from the goods of the poor.
21The bread of the needy is the life of the poor.
He who deprives him of it is a man of blood.
22Like one who murders his neighbor is he who takes away his living.
Like a shedder of blood is he who deprives a hireling of his hire.
23When one builds, and another pulls down,
what profit do they have but toil?
24When one prays, and another curses,
whose voice will the Lord listen to?
25He who washes himself after touching a dead body, and touches it again,
what does he gain by his washing?
26Even so a man fasting for his sins,
and going again, and doing the same,
who will listen to his prayer?
What profit does he have in his humiliation?
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Sirach 34: WEBUS
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