The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
[The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]



Sir 1
[A Prologue made by an uncertain Author]
This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to
Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the
latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and
called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his
grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great
diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather
the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before
him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much
understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus
died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son
receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having
gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one
volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own
name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the
hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the
study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark
sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly
stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song;
moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what
plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate
Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both
being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.

[The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.]
Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law
and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps,
for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning
and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become
skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able
to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:
my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the
reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our
fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also
himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to
the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are
addicted to these things, might profit much more in living
according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it
with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem
to come short of some words, which we have laboured to
interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated
into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not
only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the
rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are
spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth
year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing
there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore
I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and
travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in
that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for
them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn,
being prepared before in manners to live after the law.


Sir 1
All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.



2
Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity?



3
Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the
earth, and the deep, and wisdom?



4
Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the
understanding of prudence from everlasting.



5
The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her
ways are everlasting commandments.



6
To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath
known her wise counsels?



7
[Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
and who hath understood her great experience?]



8
There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting
upon his throne.



9
He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her
out upon all his works.



10
She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath
given her to them that love him.



11
The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and
a crown of rejoicing.



12
The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy,
and gladness, and a long life.



13
Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the
last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.



14
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was
created with the faithful in the womb.



15
She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she
shall continue with their seed.



16
To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with
her fruits.



17
She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the
garners with her increase.



18
The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and
perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and
it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.



19
Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding
standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.



20
The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches
thereof are long life.



21
The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is
present, it turneth away wrath.



22
A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury
shall be his destruction.



23
A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall
spring up unto him.



24
He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall
declare his wisdom.



25
The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but
godliness is an abomination to a sinner.



26
If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord
shall give her unto thee.



27
For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith
and meekness are his delight.



28
Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and
come not unto him with a double heart.



29
Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed
what thou speakest.



30
Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon
thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in
the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth
to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.



Sir 2
My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
temptation.



2
Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not
haste in time of trouble.



3
Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be
increased at thy last end.



4
Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be
patient when thou art changed to a low estate.



5
For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the
furnace of adversity.



6
Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright,
and trust in him.



7
Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside,
lest ye fall.



8
Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not
fail.



9
Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy
and mercy.



10
Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust
in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear,
and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon
him?



11
For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering,
and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of
affliction.



12
Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner
that goeth two ways!



13
Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not;
therefore shall he not be defended.



14
Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do
when the Lord shall visit you?



15
They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they
that love him will keep his ways.



16
They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well,
pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with
the law.



17
They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble
their souls in his sight,



18
Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into
the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.



Sir 3
Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye
may be safe.



2
For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children,
and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.



3
Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:



4
And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up
treasure.



5
Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own
children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.



6
He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he
that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.



7
He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do
service unto his parents, as to his masters.



8
Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a
blessing may come upon thee from them.



9
For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of
children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.



10
Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father's
dishonour is no glory unto thee.



11
For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and
a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.



12
My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as
long as he liveth.



13
And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and
despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.



14
For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and
instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.



15
In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy
sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.



16
He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that
angereth his mother is cursed: of God.



17
My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be
beloved of him that is approved.



18
The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt
find favour before the Lord.



19
Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are
revealed unto the meek.



20
For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the
lowly.



21
Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither
search the things that are above thy strength.



22
But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence,
for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things
that are in secret.



23
Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are
shewed unto thee than men understand.



24
For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil
suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.



25
Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge
therefore that thou hast not.



26
A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that
loveth danger shall perish therein.



27
An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the
wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.



28
In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the
plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.



29
The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an
attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.



30
Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an
atonement for sins.



31
And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may
come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.



Sir 4
My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the
needy eyes to wait long.



2
Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in
his distress.



3
Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not
to give to him that is in need.



4
Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn
away thy face from a poor man.



5
Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none
occasion to curse thee:



6
For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his
prayer shall be heard of him that made him.



7
Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to
a great man.



8
Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and
give him a friendly answer with meekness.



9
Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the
oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in
judgment.



10
Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband
unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High,
and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.



11
Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that
seek her.



12
He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her
early shall be filled with joy.



13
He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever
she entereth, the Lord will bless.



14
They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them
that love her the Lord doth love.



15
Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he
that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.



16
If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and
his generation shall hold her in possession.



17
For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and
bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her
discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her
laws.



18
Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort
him, and shew him her secrets.



19
But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over
to his own ruin.



20
Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not
ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.



21
For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame
which is glory and grace.



22
Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence
of any man cause thee to fall.



23
And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good,
and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.



24
For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word
of the tongue.



25
In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the
error of thine ignorance.



26
Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course
of the river.



27
Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither
accept the person of the mighty.



28
Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for
thee.



29
Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and
remiss.



30
Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy
servants.



31
Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when
thou shouldest repay.



Sir 5
Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for
my life.



2
Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the
ways of thy heart:



3
And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord
will surely revenge thy pride.



4
Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me?
for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.



5
Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto
sin:



6
And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the
multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his
indignation resteth upon sinners.



7
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from
day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth,
and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the
day of vengeance.



8
Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they
shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.



9
Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so
doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.



10
Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the
same.



11
Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with
patience give answer.



12
If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay
thy hand upon thy mouth.



13
Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his
fall.



14
Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy
tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil
condemnation upon the double tongue.



15
Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.



Sir 6
Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou
shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a
sinner that hath a double tongue.



2
Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy
soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]



3
Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave
thyself as a dry tree.



4
A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make
him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.



5
Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking
tongue will increase kind greetings.



6
Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor
of a thousand.



7
If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not
hasty to credit him.



8
For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not
abide in the day of thy trouble.



9
And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife
will discover thy reproach.



10
Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not
continue in the day of thy affliction.



11
But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold
over thy servants.



12
If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will
hide himself from thy face.



13
Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy
friends.



14
A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath
found such an one hath found a treasure.



15
Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his
excellency is invaluable.



16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear
the Lord shall find him.



17
Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright:
for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.



18
My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou
find wisdom till thine old age.



19
Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for
her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about
her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.



20
She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without
understanding will not remain with her.



21
She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will
cast her from him ere it be long.



22
For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest
unto many.



23
Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my
counsel,



24
And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her
chain.



25
Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with
her bonds.



26
Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with
all thy power.



27
Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and
when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.



28
For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be
turned to thy joy.



29
Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her
chains a robe of glory.



30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are
purple lace.



31
Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her
about thee as a crown of joy.



32
My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt
apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.



33
If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and
if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,



34
Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him
that is wise.



35
Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the
parables of understanding escape thee.



36
And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes
unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.



37
Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate
continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart,
and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.



Sir 7
Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.



2
Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from
thee.



3
My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou
shalt not reap them sevenfold.



4
Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the
seat of honour.



5
justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy
wisdom before the king.



6
Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity;
lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an
stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.



7
Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou
shalt not cast thyself down among the people.



8
Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be
unpunished.



9
Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations,
and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.



10
Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect
not to give alms.



11
Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for
there is one which humbleth and exalteth.



12
Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to
thy friend.



13
Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is
not good.



14
Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not
much babbling when thou prayest.



15
Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most
High hath ordained.



16
Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but
remember that wrath will not tarry long.



17
Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is
fire and worms.



18
Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a
faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.



19
Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above
gold.



20
Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor
the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.



21
Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of
liberty.



22
Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy
profit, keep them with thee.



23
Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck
from their youth.



24
Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not
thyself cheerful toward them.



25
Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a
weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.



26
Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give
not thyself over to a light woman.



27
Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the
sorrows of thy mother.



28
Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou
recompense them the things that they have done for thee?



29
Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.



30
Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake
not his ministers.



31
Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his
portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the
trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the
sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy
things.



32
And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may
be perfected.



33
A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for
the dead detain it not.



34
Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that
mourn.



35
Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be
beloved.



36
Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou
shalt never do amiss.



Sir 8
Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.



2
Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee:
for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.



3
Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not
wood upon his fire.



4
Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.



5
Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that
we are all worthy of punishment.



6
Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax
old.



7
Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember
that we die all.



8
Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself
with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction,
and how to serve great men with ease.



9
Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned
of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding,
and to give answer as need requireth.



10
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the
flame of his fire.



11
Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious
person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words



12
Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou
lendest him, count it but lost.



13
Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take
care to pay it.



14
Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him
according to his honour.



15
Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become
grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will,
and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.



16
Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a
solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where
there is no help, he will overthrow thee.



17
Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.



18
Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not
what he will bring forth.



19
Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with
a shrewd turn.



Sir 9
Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not
an evil lesson against thyself.



2
Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy
substance.



3
Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.



4
Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest
thou be taken with her attempts.



5
Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that
are precious in her.



6
Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine
inheritance.



7
Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither
wander thou in the solitary place thereof.



8
Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon
another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a
woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.



9
Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her
in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine;
lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire
thou fall into destruction.



10
Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to
him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt
drink it with pleasure.



11
Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what
shall be his end.



12
Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in;
but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.



13
Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt
thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him,
make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember
that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest
upon the battlements of the city.



14
As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult
with the wise.



15
Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in
the law of the most High.



16
And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy
glorying be in the fear of the Lord.



17
For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended:
and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.



18
A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that
is rash in his talk shall be hated.



Sir 10
A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of
a prudent man is well ordered.



2
As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers;
and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all
they that dwell therein.



3
An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the
prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be
inhabited.



4
The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due
time he will set over it one that is profitable.



5
In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the
person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.



6
Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do
nothing at all by injurious practices.



7
Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one
commit iniquity.



8
Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by
deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.



9
Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked
thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul
to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.



10
The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to
day a king to morrow shall die.



11
For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things,
beasts, and worms.



12
The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and
his heart is turned away from his Maker.



13
For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall
pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them
strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.



14
The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set
up the meek in their stead.



15
The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and
planted the lowly in their place.



16
The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed
them to the foundations of the earth.



17
He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made
their memorial to cease from the earth.



18
Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that
are born of a woman.



19
They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love
him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a
dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a
deceivable seed.



20
Among brethren he that is chief is honorable; so are they
that fear the Lord in his eyes.



21
The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority:
but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.



22
Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear
of the Lord.



23
It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath
understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful
man.



24
Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet
is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.



25
Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do
service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is
reformed.



26
Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself
in the time of thy distress.



27
Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things,
than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.



28
My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour
according to the dignity thereof.



29
Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and
who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?



30
The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is
honoured for his riches.



31
He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and
he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?



Sir 11
Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and
maketh him to sit among great men.



2
Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his
outward appearance.



3
The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the
chief of sweet things.



4
Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself
in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful,
and his works among men are hidden.



5
Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was
never thought of hath worn the crown.



6
Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the
honourable delivered into other men's hands.



7
Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand
first, and then rebuke.



8
Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither
interrupt men in the midst of their talk.



9
Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not
in judgment with sinners.



10
My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle
much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou
shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.



11
There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh
haste, and is so much the more behind.



12
Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help,
wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord
looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,



13
And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw
from him is peace over all the



14
Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches,
come of the Lord.



15
Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the
Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.



16
Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners:
and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.



17
The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his
favour bringeth prosperity for ever.



18
There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and
this his the portion of his reward:



19
Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat
continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall
come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others,
and die.



20
Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and
wax old in thy work.



21
Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord,
and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of
the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.



22
The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and
suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.



23
Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good
things shall I have hereafter?



24
Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and
what evil shall I have hereafter?



25
In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of
affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more
remembrance of prosperity.



26
For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to
reward a man according to his ways.



27
The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and
in his end his deeds shall be discovered.



28
Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known
in his children.



29
Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man
hath many trains.



30
Like as a partridge taken [and kept] in a cage, so is the
heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall:



31
For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in
things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee.



32
Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful
man layeth wait for blood.



33
Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness;
lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.



34
Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb
thee, and turn thee out of thine own.



Sir 12
When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt
thou be thanked for thy benefits.



2
Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence;
and if not from him, yet from the most High.



3
There can no good come to him that is always occupied in
evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.



4
Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.



5
Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly:
hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he
overmaster thee thereby: for [else] thou shalt receive twice as
much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.



6
For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance
unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of
their punishment.



7
Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.



8
A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot
be hidden in adversity.



9
In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in
his adversity even a friend will depart.



10
Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his
wickedness.



11
Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good
heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou
hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust
hath not been altogether wiped away.



12
Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he
stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand,
lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my
words, and be pricked therewith.



13
Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any
such as come nigh wild beasts?



14
So one that goeth to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his
sins, who will pity?



15
For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to
fall, he will not tarry.



16
An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he
imagineth how to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his
eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with
blood.



17
If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first;
and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.



18
He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much,
and change his countenance.



Sir 13
He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he
that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.



2
Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest; and
have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than
thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together?
for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.



3
The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal:
the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.



4
If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have
nothing, he will forsake thee.



5
If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will
make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.



6
If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon
thee, and put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say,
What wantest thou?



7
And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee
dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn
afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake
his head at thee.



8
Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy
jollity.



9
If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so
much the more will he invite thee.



10
Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far
off, lest thou be forgotten.



11
Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not
his many words: for with much communication will he tempt thee,
and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets:



12
But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to
do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.



13
Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy
overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy
sleep.



14
Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy
salvation.



15
Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his
neighbor.



16
All flesh consorteth according to kind, and a man will cleave
to his like.



17
What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner
with the godly.



18
What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what
peace between the rich and the poor?



19
As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness: so the
rich eat up the poor.



20
As the proud hate humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.



21
A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a
poor man being down is thrust away by his friends.



22
When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh
things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man
slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spake wisely, and
could have no place.



23
When a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and,
look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the
poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he
stumble, they will help to overthrow him.



24
Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is
evil in the mouth of the ungodly.



25
The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be
for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful
countenance.



26
A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in
prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome
labour of the mind.



Sir 14
Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and
is not pricked with the multitude of sins.



2
Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and
who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.



3
Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an
envious man do with money?



4
He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for
others, that shall spend his goods riotously.



5
He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall
not take pleasure in his goods.



6
There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is
a recompence of his wickedness.



7
And if he doeth good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the
last he will declare his wickedness.



8
The envious man hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face,
and despiseth men.



9
A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and
the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.



10
A wicked eye envieth [his] bread, and he is a niggard at his
table.



11
My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give
the Lord his due offering.



12
Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the
covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.



13
Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy
ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.



14
Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of
a good desire overpass thee.



15
Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another? and thy
labours to be divided by lot?



16
Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no
seeking of dainties in the grave.



17
All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the
beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.



18
As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some
grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an
end, and another is born.



19
Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof
shall go withal.



20
Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom,
and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding. ing.



21
He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have
understanding in her secrets.



22
Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her
ways.



23
He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her
doors.



24
He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in
her walls.



25
He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a
lodging where good things are.



26
He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge
under her branches.



27
By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall
he dwell.



Sir 15
He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the
knowledge of the law shall obtain her.



2
And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife
married of a virgin.



3
With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give
him the water of wisdom to drink.



4
He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and
shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.



5
She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of
the congregation shall she open his mouth.



6
He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall
cause him to inherit an everlasting name.



7
But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall
not see her.



8
For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot
remember her.



9
Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not
sent him of the Lord.



10
For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will
prosper it.



11
Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for
thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth.



12
Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need
of the sinful man.



13
The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love
it not.



14
He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the
hand of his counsel;



15
If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform
acceptable faithfulness.



16
He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy
hand unto whether thou wilt.



17
Before man is life and death; and whether him liketh shall be
given him.



18
For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in
power, and beholdeth all things:



19
And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth
every work of man.



20
He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he
given any man licence to sin.



Sir 16
Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither
delight in ungodly sons.



2
Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of
the Lord be with them.



3
Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their
multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and
better it is to die without children, than to have them that are
ungodly.



4
For by one that hath understanding shall the city be
replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become
desolate.



5
Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear
hath heard greater things than these.



6
In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled;
and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.



7
He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in
the strength of their foolishness.



8
Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred
them for their pride.



9
He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in
their sins:



10
Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered
together in the hardness of their hearts.



11
And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is
marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with
him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.



12
As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth
a man according to his works



13
The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience
of the godly shall not be frustrate.



14
Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find
according to his works.



15
The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that
his powerful works might be known to the world.



16
His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath
separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.



17
Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any
remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many
people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of
creatures?



18
Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and
the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall
visit.



19
The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken
with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.



20
No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is
able to conceive his ways?



21
It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of
his works are hid.



22
Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure
them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things
is in the end.



23
He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things:
and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.



24
by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my
words with thy heart.



25
I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his
knowledge exactly.



26
The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the
beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts
thereof.



27
He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the
chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are
weary, nor cease from their works.



28
None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey
his word.



29
After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with
his blessings.



30
With all manner of living things hath he covered the face
thereof; and they shall return into it again.



Sir 17
The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it
again.



2
He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over
the things therein.



3
He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them
according to his image,



4
And put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion
over beasts and fowls.



5
They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and
in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the
seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.]



6
Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he
them to understand.



7
Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding,
and shewed them good and evil.



8
He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the
greatness of his works.



9
He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that
they might declare his works with understanding.



10
And the elect shall praise his holy name.



11
Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for
an heritage.



12
He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them
his judgments.



13
Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard
his glorious voice.



14
And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he
gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.



15
Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his
eyes.



16
Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they
make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.



17
For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set
a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:



18
Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and
giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him.



19
Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his
eyes are continually upon their ways.



20
None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all
their sins are before the Lord



21
But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship,
neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.



22
The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep
the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give
repentance to his sons and daughters.



23
Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their
recompence upon their heads.



24
But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and
comforted those that failed in patience.



25
Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer
before his face, and offend less.



26
Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for
he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and
hate thou abomination vehemently.



27
Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them
which live and give thanks?



28
Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is
not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.



29
How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his
compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!



30
For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is
not immortal.



31
What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth;
and flesh and blood will imagine evil.



32
He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are
but earth and ashes.



Sir 18
He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general.



2
The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,



3
Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all
things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power
dividing holy things among them from profane.



4
To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who
shall find out his noble acts?



5
Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall
also tell out his mercies?



6
As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be
taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither
can the ground of them be found out.



7
When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth
off, then he shall be doubtful.



8
What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and
what is his evil?



9
The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.



10
As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in
comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of
eternity.



11
Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his
mercy upon them.



12
He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he
multiplied his compassion.



13
The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of
the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and
teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.



14
He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that
diligently seek after his judgments.



15
My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable
words when thou givest any thing.



16
Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than
a gift.



17
Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a
gracious man.



18
A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious
consumeth the eyes.



19
Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be
sick.



20
Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation
thou shalt find mercy.



21
Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins
shew repentance.



22
Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer
not until death to be justified.



23
Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that
tempteth the Lord.



24
Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time
of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.



25
When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when
thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.



26
From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and
all things are soon done before the Lord.



27
A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of
sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe
time.



28
Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give
praise unto him that found her.



29
They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise
themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.



30
Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine
appetites.



31
If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will
make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.



32
Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the
expence thereof.



33
Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou
hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine
own life, and be talked on.



Sir 19
A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be
rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little
and little.



2
Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away:
and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.



3
Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man
shall be taken away.



4
He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that
sinneth shall offend against his own soul.



5
Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but
he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.



6
He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he
that hateth babbling shall have less evil.



7
Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and
thou shalt fare never the worse.



8
Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's
lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.



9
For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will
hate thee.



10
If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold,
it will not burst thee.



11
A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a
child.



12
As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word
within a fool's belly.



13
Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he
have done it, that he do it no more.



14
Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he
have, that he speak it not again.



15
Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and
believe not every tale.



16
There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his
heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?



17
Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not
being angry, give place to the law of the most High.



18
The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of
him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.



19
The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine
of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive
the fruit of the tree of immortality.



20
The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the
performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.



21
If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth
thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth
him.



22
The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any
time the counsel of sinners prudence.



23
There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there
is a fool wanting in wisdom.



24
He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better
than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the
most High.



25
There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and
there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and
there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.



26
There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but
inwardly he is full of deceit,



27
Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not:
where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be
aware.



28
And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet
when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.



29
A man may be known by his look, and one that hath
understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.



30
A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what
he is.



Sir 20
There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man
holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.



2
It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and
he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.



3
How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance!
for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.



4
As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he
that executeth judgment with violence.



5
There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and
another by much babbling becometh hateful.



6
Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer:
and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.



7
A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but
a babbler and a fool will regard no time.



8
He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that
taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.



9
There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and
there is a gain that turneth to loss.



10
There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a
gift whose recompence is double.



11
There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that
lifteth up his head from a low estate.



12
There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it
sevenfold.



13
A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of
fools shall be poured out.



14
The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it;
neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to
receive many things for one.



15
He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth
like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it
again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.



16
The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my
good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.



17
How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he
knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto
him as if he had it not.



18
To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the
tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.



19
An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the
unwise.



20
A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a
fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.



21
There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when
he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.



22
There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness,
and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.



23
There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and
maketh him his enemy for nothing.



24
A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the
mouth of the untaught.



25
A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but
they both shall have destruction to heritage.



26
The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is
ever with him.



27
A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words:
and he that hath understanding will please great men.



28
He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that
pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.



29
Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up
his mouth that he cannot reprove.



30
Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what
profit is in them both?



31
Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his
wisdom.



32
Necessary patience in seeking ing the Lord is better than he
that leadeth his life without a guide.



Sir 21
My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for
thy former sins.



2
Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou
comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as
the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.



3
All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof
cannot be healed.



4
To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of
proud men shall be made desolate.



5
A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of
God, and his judgment cometh speedily.



6
He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but
he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.



7
An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of
understanding knoweth when he slippeth.



8
He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one
that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.



9
The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together:
and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.



10
The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end
thereof is the pit of hell.



11
He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding
thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.



12
He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom
which multiplieth bitterness.



13
The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and
his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.



14
The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he
will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.



15
If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and
add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it,
it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.



16
The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace
shall be found in the lips of the wise.



17
They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the
congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.



18
As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and
the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.



19
Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like
manacles on the right hand.



20
A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man
doth scarce smile a little.



21
Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like
a bracelet upon his right arm.



22
A foolish man's foot is soon in his [neighbour's] house: but
a man of experience is ashamed of him.



23
A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that
is well nurtured will stand without.



24
It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a
wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.



25
The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain
not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are
weighed in the balance.



26
The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the
wise is in their heart.



27
When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.



28
A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever
he dwelleth.



Sir 22
A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one
will hiss him out to his disgrace.



2
A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every
man that takes it up will shake his hand.



3
An evilnurtured man is the dishonour of his father that begat
him: and a [foolish] daughter is born to his loss.



4
A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband:
but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.



5
She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her
husband, but they both shall despise her.



6
A tale out of season [is as] musick in mourning: but stripes
and correction of wisdom are never out of time.



7
Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd
together, and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep.



8
He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a
slumber: when he hath told his tale, he will say, What is the
matter?



9
If children live honestly, and have wherewithal, they shall
cover the baseness of their parents.



10
But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of
nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.



11
Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for
the fool, for he wanteth understanding: make little weeping for
the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool is worse
than death.



12
Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool
and an ungodly man all the days of his life.



13
Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no
understanding: beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou
shalt never be defiled with his fooleries: depart from him, and
thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.



14
What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but
a fool?



15
Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a
man without understanding.



16
As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be
loosed with shaking: so the heart that is stablished by advised
counsel shall fear at no time.



17
A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair
plaistering on the wall of a gallery.



18
Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind:
so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand
against any fear.



19
He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that
pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.



20
Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he
that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.



21
Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not:
for there may be a returning [to favour.]



22
If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not;
for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or
pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for
these things every friend will depart.



23
Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest
rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time
of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his
heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor
the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.



24
As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire;
so reviling before blood.



25
I will not be ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide
myself from him.



26
And if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth
it will beware of him.



27
Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom
upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my
tongue destroy me not?



Sir 23
O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me
not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.



2
Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of
wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine
ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:



3
Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my
destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy
rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.



4
O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look,
but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind.



5
Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou
shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.



6
Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh
take hold of me; and give not over me thy servant into an
impudent mind.



7
Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that
keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.



8
The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil
speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.



9
Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to
the naming of the Holy One.



10
For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be
without a blue mark: so he that sweareth and nameth God
continually shall not be faultless.



11
A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity,
and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall
offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his
sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he
shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of
calamities.



12
There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant
that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such
things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in
their sins.



13
Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the
word of sin.



14
Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among
great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so thou by thy
custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born,
and curse they day of thy nativity.



15
The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be
reformed all the days of his life.



16
Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring
wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be
quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his
flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.



17
All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off
till he die.



18
A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who
seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover
me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High
will not remember my sins:



19
Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that
the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the
sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most
secret parts.



20
He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after
they were perfected he looked upon them all.



21
This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and
where he suspecteth not he shall be taken.



22
Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband,
and bringeth in an heir by another.



23
For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and
secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and
thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought
children by another man.



24
She shall be brought out into the congregation, and
inquisition shall be made of her children.



25
Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall
bring forth no fruit.



26
She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach
shall not be blotted out.



27
And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better
than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter
than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.



28
It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of
him is long life.



Sir 24
Wisdom shall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst of
her people.



2
In the congregation of the most High shall she open her
mouth, and triumph before his power.



3
I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the
earth as a cloud.



4
I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.



5
I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the
bottom of the deep.



6
In the waves of the sea and in all the earth, and in every
people and nation, I got a possession.



7
With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall
I abide?



8
So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he
that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy
dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.



9
He created me from the beginning before the world, and I
shall never fail.



10
In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I
established in Sion.



11
Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in
Jerusalem was my power.



12
And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion
of the Lord's inheritance.



13
I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree
upon the mountains of Hermon.



14
I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose
plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and
grew up as a plane tree by the water.



15
I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I
yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and
onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the
tabernacle.



16
As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my
branches are the branches of honour and grace.



17
As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers
are the fruit of honour and riches.



18
I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and
holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my
children which are named of him.



19
Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill
yourselves with my fruits.



20
For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance
than the honeycomb.



21
They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me
shall yet be thirsty.



22
He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that
work by me shall not do amiss.



23
All these things are the book of the covenant of the most
high God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage
unto the congregations of Jacob.



24
Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you,
cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside
him there is no other Saviour.



25
He filleth all things with his wisdom, as Phison and as
Tigris in the time of the new fruits.



26
He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as
Jordan in the time of the harvest.



27
He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and
as Geon in the time of vintage.



28
The first man knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last
find her out.



29
For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels
profounder than the great deep.



30
I also came out as a brook from a river, and as a conduit
into a garden.



31
I said, I will water my best garden, and will water
abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and
my river became a sea.



32
I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will
send forth her light afar off.



33
I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all
ages for ever.



34
Behold that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all
them that seek wisdom.



Sir 25
In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both
before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of
neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.



2
Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended
at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a
liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.



3
If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou
find any thing in thine age?



4
O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for
ancient men to know counsel!



5
O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and
counsel to men of honour.



6
Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God
is their glory.



7
There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be
happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that
hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of
his enemy:



8
Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and
that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served
a man more unworthy than himself:



9
Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in
the ears of them that will hear:



10
O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none
above him that feareth the Lord.



11
But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination:
he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?



12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith
is the beginning of cleaving unto him.



13
[Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any
wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:



14
And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate
me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.



15
There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no
wrath above the wrath of an enemy.



16
I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep
house with a wicked woman.



17
The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth
her countenance like sackcloth.



18
Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he
heareth it shall sigh bitterly.



19
All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman:
let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.



20
As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so
is a wife full of words to a quiet man.



21
Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for
pleasure.



22
A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger,
impudence, and much reproach.



23
A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy
countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort
her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.



24
Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we
all die.



25
Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to
gad abroad.



26
If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy
flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.



Sir 26
Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number
of his days shall be double.



2
A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil
the years of his life in peace.



3
A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the
portion of them that fear the Lord.



4
Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward
the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful
countenance.



5
There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the
fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering
together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all
these are worse than death.



6
But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous
over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which
communicateth with all.



7
An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold
of her is as though he held a scorpion.



8
A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and
she will not cover her own shame.



9
The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and
eyelids.



10
If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she
abuse herself through overmuch liberty.



11
Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass
against thee.



12
She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath
found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every
hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every
arrow.



13
The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her
discretion will fatten his bones.



14
A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is
nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.



15
A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her
continent mind cannot be valued.



16
As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the
beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.



17
As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the
beauty of the face in ripe age.



18
As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are
the fair feet with a constant heart.



19
My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy
strength to strangers.



20
When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the
field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of
thy stock.



21
So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the
confidence of their good descent.



22
An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman
is a tower against death to her husband.



23
A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a
godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.



24
A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will
reverence her husband.



25
A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is
shamefaced will fear the Lord.



26
A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of
all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted
ungodly of all.



27
A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive
away the enemies.



28
There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third
maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of
understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from
righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the
sword.



29
A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an
huckster shall not be freed from sin.



Sir 27
Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for
abundance will turn his eyes away.



2
As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones;
so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.



3
Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord,
his house shall soon be overthrown.



4
As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so
the filth of man in his talk.



5
The furnace proveth the potter's vessels; so the trial of man
is in his reasoning.



6
The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the
utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.



7
Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the
trial of men.



8
If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and
put her on, as a glorious long robe.



9
The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return
unto them that practise in her.



10
As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that
work iniquity.



11
The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a
fool changeth as the moon.



12
If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be
continually among men of understanding.



13
The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the
wantonness of sin.



14
The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand
upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.



15
The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings
are grievous to the ear.



16
Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never
find friend to his mind.



17
Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou
betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.



18
For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the
love of thy neighbor.



19
As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou
let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again



20
Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a
roe escaped out of the snare.



21
As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there
may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without
hope.



22
He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that
knoweth him will depart from him.



23
When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire
thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander
thy sayings.



24
I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord
will hate him.



25
Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and
a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.



26
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a
trap shall be taken therein.



27
He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he
shall not know whence it cometh.



28
Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a
lion, shall lie in wait for them.



29
They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken
in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.



30
Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful
man shall have them both.



Sir 28
He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he
will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]



2
Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee,
so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.



3
One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek
pardon from the Lord?



4
He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth
he ask forgiveness of his own sins?



5
If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for
pardon of his sins?



6
Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption
and death, and abide in the commandments.



7
Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy
neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at
ignorance.



8
Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a
furious man will kindle strife,



9
A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among
them that be at peace.



10
As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's
strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his
anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more
they will be inflamed.



11
An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting
sheddeth blood.



12
If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it,
it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.



13
Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have
destroyed many that were at peace.



14
A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them
from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and
overthrown the houses of great men.



15
A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and
deprived them of their labours.



16
Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never
dwell quietly.



17
The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the
stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.



18
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as
have fallen by the tongue.



19
Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who
hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her
bands.



20
For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof
are bands of brass.



21
The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better
than it.



22
It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall
they be burned with the flame thereof.



23
Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall
burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as
a lion, and devour them as a leopard.



24
Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and
bind up thy silver and gold,



25
And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for
thy mouth.



26
Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that
lieth in wait.



Sir 29
He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that
strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.



2
Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy
neighbour again in due season.



3
Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt
always find the thing that is necessary for thee.



4
Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found,
and put them to trouble that helped them.



5
Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his
neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should
repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and
complain of the time.



6
If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will
count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his
money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth
him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him
disgrace.



7
Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill
dealing, fearing to be defrauded.



8
Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay
not to shew him mercy.



9
Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not
away because of his poverty.



10
Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not
rust under a stone to be lost.



11
Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most
High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.



12
Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee
from all affliction.



13
It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a
mighty shield and strong spear.



14
An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is
impudent will forsake him.



15
Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given
his life for thee.



16
A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:



17
And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in
danger] that delivered him.



18
Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them
as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their
houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.



19
A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall
fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth
other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.



20
Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that
thou thyself fall not into the same.



21
The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing,
and an house to cover shame.



22
Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than
delicate fare in another man's house.



23
Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not
the reproach of thy house.



24
For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for
where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.



25
Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover
thou shalt hear bitter words:



26
Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that
thou hast ready.



27
Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother
cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.



28
These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the
upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.



Sir 30
He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that
he may have joy of him in the end.



2
He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall
rejoice of him among his acquaintance.



3
He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his
friends he shall rejoice of him.



4
Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead:
for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.



5
While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died,
he was not sorrowful.



6
He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one
that shall requite kindness to his friends.



7
He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds;
and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.



8
An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to
himself will be wilful.



9
Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with
him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.



10
Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest
thou gnash thy teeth in the end.



11
Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his
follies.



12
Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the
sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be
disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.



13
Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd
behaviour be an offence unto thee.



14
Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution,
than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.



15
Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a
strong body above infinite wealth.



16
There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the
joy of the heart.



17
Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.



18
Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat
set upon a grave.



19
What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it
eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.



20
He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that
embraceth a virgin and sigheth.



21
Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself
in thine own counsel.



22
The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the
joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.



23
Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far
from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit
therein.



24
Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age
before the time.



25
A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and
diet.



Sir 31
Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof
driveth away sleep.



2
Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease
breaketh sleep,



3
The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and
when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.



4
The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth
off, he is still needy.



5
He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that
followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.



6
Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was
present.



7
It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and
every fool shall be taken therewith.



8
Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath
not gone after gold.



9
Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things
hath he done among his people.



10
Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him
glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil,
and hath not done it?



11
His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall
declare his alms.



12
If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and
say not, There is much meat on it.



13
Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is
created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every
occasion.



14
Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust
it not with him into the dish.



15
Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every
point.



16
Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before
thee; and devour note, lest thou be hated.



17
Leave off first for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable,
lest thou offend.



18
When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first
of all.



19
A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he
fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.



20
Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and
his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and
pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.



21
And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit,
and thou shalt have rest.



22
My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou
shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall
there no sickness come unto thee.



23
Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him;
and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.



24
But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city
shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not
be doubted of.



25
Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed
many.



26
The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the
hearts of the proud by drunkeness.



27
Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately:
what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made
to make men glad.



28
Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the
heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:



29
But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind,
with brawling and quarrelling.



30
Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it
diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.



31
Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in
his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him
with urging him [to drink.]



Sir 32
If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up,
but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for
them, and so sit down.



2
And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that
thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well
ordering of the feast.



3
Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but
with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.



4
Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not
forth wisdom out of time.



5
A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of
carbuncle set in gold.



6
As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the
melody of musick with pleasant wine.



7
Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely
when thou art twice asked.



8
Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be
as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.



9
If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them;
and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.



10
Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced
man shall go favour.



11
Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home
without delay.



12
There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by
proud speech.



13
And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath
replenished thee with his good things.



14
Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they
that seek him early shall find favour.



15
He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the
hypocrite will be offended thereat.



16
They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle
justice as a light.



17
A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse
according to his will.



18
A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud
man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done
without counsel.



19
Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done,
repent not.



20
Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not
among the stones.



21
Be not confident in a plain way.



22
And beware of thine own children.



23
In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the
keeping of the commandments.



24
He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment;
and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.



Sir 33
There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord;
but in temptation even again he will deliver him.



2
A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite
therein is as a ship in a storm.



3
A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is
faithful unto him, as an oracle.



4
Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up
instruction, and then make answer.



5
The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his
thoughts are like a rolling axletree.



6
A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under
every one that sitteth upon him.



7
Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of
every day in the year is of the sun?



8
By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he
altered seasons and feasts.



9
Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and
some of them hath he made ordinary days.



10
And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of
earth:



11
In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their
ways diverse.



12
Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he
sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he
cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.



13
As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his
pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render
to them as liketh him best.



14
Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the
godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.



15
So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are
two and two, one against another.



16
I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the
grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and tred
my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.



17
Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all
them that seek learning.



18
Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your
ears, ye rulers of the congregation.



19
Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over
thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest
it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.



20
As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not
thyself over to any.



21
For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than
that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.



22
In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a
stain in thine honour.



23
At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy
life, distribute thine inheritance.



24
Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread,
correction, and work, for a servant. .



25
If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but
if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.



26
A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and
torments for an evil servant.



27
Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness
teacheth much evil.



28
Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient,
put on more heavy fetters.



29
But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do
nothing.



30
If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself,
because thou hast bought him with a price.



31
If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou
hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him
evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?



Sir 34
The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false:
and dreams lift up fools.



2
Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow,
and followeth after the wind.



3
The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to
another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.



4
Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing
which is false what truth can come?



5
Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the
heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.



6
If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set
not thy heart upon them.



7
For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put
their trust in them.



8
The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is
perfection to a faithful mouth.



9
A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that
hath much experience will declare wisdom.



10
He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath
travelled is full of prudence.



11
When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more
than I can express.



12
I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered
because of these things.



13
The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their
hope is in him that saveth them.



14
Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he
is his hope.



15
Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom
doth he look? and who is his strength?



16
For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is
their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat,
and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling,
and an help from falling.



17
He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth
health, life, and blessing.



18
He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his
offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not
accepted.



19
The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the
wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of
sacrifices.



20
Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as
one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.



21
The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him
thereof is a man of blood.



22
He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and
he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.



23
When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have
they then but labour?



24
When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the
Lord hear?



25
He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if
he touch it again, what availeth his washing?



26
So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth
again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what
doth his humbling profit him?



Sir 35
He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that
taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.



2
He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that
giveth alms sacrificeth praise.



3
To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord;
and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.



4
Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.



5
For all these things [are to be done] because of the
commandment.



6
The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the
sweet savour thereof is before the most High.



7
The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial
thereof shall never be forgotten.



8
Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not
the firstfruits of thine hands.



9
In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate
thy tithes with gladness.



10
Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee;
and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.



11
For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as
much.



12
Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not
receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord
is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.



13
He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will
hear the prayer of the oppressed.



14
He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor
the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.



15
Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her
cry against him that causeth them to fall?



16
He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and
his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.



17
The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it
come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till
the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute
judgment.



18
For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be
patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of
the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he
have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the
sceptre of the unrighteous;



19
Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds,
and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have
judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his
mercy.



20
Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of
rain in the time of drought.



Sir 36
Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:



2
And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after
thee.



3
Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them
see thy power.



4
As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou
magnified among them before us.



5
And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is
no God but only thou, O God.



6
Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy
hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous
works.



7
Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the
adversary, and destroy the enemy.



8
Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them
declare thy wonderful works.



9
Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire;
and let them perish that oppress the people.



10
Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that
say, There is none other but we.



11
Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou
them, as from the beginning.



12
O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy
name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.



13
O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy
rest.



14
Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with
thy glory:



15
Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the
beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.



16
Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found
faithful.



17
O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the
blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell
upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God.



18
The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than
another.



19
As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an
heart of understanding false speeches.



20
A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience
will recompense him.



21
A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better
than another.



22
The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man
loveth nothing better.



23
If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue,
then is not her husband like other men.



24
He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like
unto himself, and a pillar of rest.



25
Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he
that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning.



26
Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from
city to city? so [who will believe] a man that hath no house,
and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?



Sir 37
Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a
friend, which is only a friend in name.



2
Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is
turned to an enemy?



3
O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the
earth with deceit?



4
There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a
friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.



5
There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly,
and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.



6
Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of
him in thy riches.



7
Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that
counselleth for himself.



8
Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath;
for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,



9
And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on
the other side, to see what shall befall thee.



10
Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy
counsel from such as envy thee.



11
Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is
jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a
merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor
with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man
touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with
an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle
servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter
of counsel.



12
But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep
the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to thy
mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.



13
And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no
man more faithful unto thee than it.



14
For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven
watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.



15
And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct
thy way in truth.



16
Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before
every action.



17
The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.



18
Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death:
but the tongue ruleth over them continually.



19
There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is
unprofitable to himself.



20
There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he
shall be destitute of all food.



21
For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is
deprived of all wisdom.



22
Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding
are commendable in his mouth.



23
A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his
understanding fail not.



24
A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that
see him shall count him happy.



25
The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of
Israel are innumerable.



26
A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name
shall be perpetual.



27
My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for
it, and give not that unto it.



28
For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath
every soul pleasure in every thing.



29
Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon
meats:



30
For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will
turn into choler.



31
By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed
prolongeth his life.



Sir 38
Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses
which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.



2
For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive
honour of the king.



3
The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the
sight of great men he shall be in admiration.



4
The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that
is wise will not abhor them.



5
Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue
thereof might be known?



6
And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his
marvellous works.



7
With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.



8
Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his
works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,



9
My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the
Lord, and he will make thee whole.



10
Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse
thy heart from all wickedness.



11
Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a
fat offering, as not being.



12
Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created
him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.



13
There is a time when in their hands there is good success.



14
For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper
that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.



15
He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand
of the physician.



16
My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to
lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then
cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his
burial.



17
Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as
he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken
of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.



18
For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart
breaketh strength.



19
In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor
is the curse of the heart.



20
Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the
last end.



21
Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not
do him good, but hurt thyself.



22
Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday
for me, and to day for thee.



23
When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be
comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.



24
The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure:
and he that hath little business shall become wise.



25
How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that
glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in
their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?



26
He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give
the kine fodder.



27
So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and
day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make
great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and
watch to finish a work:



28
The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron
work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth
with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the
anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the
pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to
finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:



29
So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel
about with his feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and
maketh all his work by number;



30
He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his
strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over;
and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:



31
All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his
work.



32
Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not
dwell where they will, nor go up and down:



33
They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high
in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges' seat, nor
understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice
and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are
spoken.



34
But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all]
their desire is in the work of their craft.



Sir 39
But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and
is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom
of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.



2
He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where
subtil parables are, he will be there also.



3
He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be
conversant in dark parables.



4
He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he
will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the
good and the evil among men.



5
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made
him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth
in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.



6
When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit
of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give
thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.



7
He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets
shall he meditate.



8
He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall
glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.



9
Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the
world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall
not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to
generation.



10
Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation
shall declare his praise.



11
If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and
if he live, he shall increase it.



12
Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am
filled as the moon at the full.



13
Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose
growing by the brook of the field:



14
And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a
lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the
Lord in all his works.



15
Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of
your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say
after this manner:



16
All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever
he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.



17
And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at
time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment
the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the
receptacles of waters.



18
At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none
can hinder, when he will save.



19
The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid
from his eyes.



20
He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is
nothing wonderful before him.



21
A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for
he hath made all things for their uses.



22
His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it
as a flood.



23
As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the
heathen inherit his wrath.



24
As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they
stumblingblocks unto the wicked.



25
For the good are good things created from the beginning: so
evil things for sinners.



26
The principal things for the whole use of man's life are
water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and
the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.



27
All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners
they are turned into evil.



28
There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in
their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they
pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made
them.



29
Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created
for vengeance;



30
Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword
punishing the wicked to destruction.



31
They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be
ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come,
they shall not transgress his word.



32
Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon
these things, and have left them in writing.



33
All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every
needful thing in due season.



34
So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in
time they shall all be well approved.



35
And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and
mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.



Sir 40
Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is
upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their
mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of
all things.



2
Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death,
[trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;



3
From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is
humbled in earth and ashes;



4
From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is
clothed with a linen frock.



5
Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and
anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his
night sleep, do change his knowledge.



6
A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his
sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of
his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.



7
When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear
was nothing.



8
[Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and
that is sevenfold more upon sinners.



9
Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine,
tribulation, and the scourge;



10
These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes
came the flood.



11
All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth
again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.



12
All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true
dealing shall endure for ever.



13
The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and
shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.



14
While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall
transgressors come to nought.



15
The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many
branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.



16
The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall
be pulled up before all grass.



17
Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness
endureth for ever.



18
To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet
life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.



19
Children and the building of a city continue a man's name:
but a blameless wife is counted above them both.



20
Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is
above them both.



21
The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant
tongue is above them both.



22
Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn
while it is green.



23
A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a
wife with her husband.



24
Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall
deliver more than them both.



25
Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is
esteemed above them both.



26
Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the
Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the
Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.



27
The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him
above all glory.



28
My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die
than to beg.



29
The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not
to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other
men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.



30
Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his
belly there shall burn a fire.



Sir 41
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that
liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath
nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea,
unto him that is yet able to receive meat!



2
O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto
him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is
vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost
patience!



3
Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been
before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of
the Lord over all flesh.



4
And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there
is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or
an hundred, or a thousand years.



5
The children of sinners are abominable children, and they
that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.



6
The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their
posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.



7
The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they
shall be reproached for his sake.



8
Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of
the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your
destruction:



9
And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye
die, a curse shall be your portion.



10
All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the
ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.



11
The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of
sinners shall be blotted out.



12
Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee
above a thousand great treasures of gold.



13
A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for
ever.



14
My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is
hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them
both?



15
A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that
hideth his wisdom.



16
Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not
good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether
approved in every thing.



17
Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie
before a prince and a mighty man;



18
Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a
congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner
and friend;



19
And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest,
and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean
with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and
take;



20
And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon
an harlot;



21
And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a
portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.



22
Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed;
or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast
given, upbraid not;



23
Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast
heard; and of revealing of secrets.



24
So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all
men.



Sir 42
Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to
sin thereby:



2
Of the law of the most High, and his covenant; and of
judgment to justify the ungodly;



3
Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift
of the heritage of friends;



4
Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or
little;



5
And of merchants' indifferent selling; of much correction of
children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.



6
Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up,
where many hands are.



7
Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in
writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.



8
Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the
extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young: thus
shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.



9
The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and
the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she
pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she
should be hated:



10
In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with
child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she
should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she
should be barren.



11
Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make
thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city,
and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before
the multitude.



12
Behold not every body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of
women.



13
For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.



14
Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a
woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.



15
I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the
things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.



16
The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the
work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.



17
The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all
his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled,
that whatsoever is might be established for his glory.



18
He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their
crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and
he beholdeth the signs of the world.



19
He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and
revealeth the steps of hidden things.



20
No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.



21
He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he
is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be
added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any
counsellor.



22
Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see
even to a spark.



23
All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and
they are all obedient.



24
All things are double one against another: and he hath made
nothing imperfect.



25
One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be
filled with beholding his glory?



Sir 43
The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of
heaven, with his glorious shew;



2
The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a
marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:



3
At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the
burning heat thereof?



4
A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun
burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery
vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.



5
Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment
runneth hastily.



6
He made the moon also to serve in her season for a
declaration of times, and a sign of the world.



7
From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth
in her perfection.



8
The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in
her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining
in the firmament of heaven;



9
The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament
giving light in the highest places of the Lord.



10
At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their
order, and never faint in their watches.



11
Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very
beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.



12
It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and
the hands of the most High have bended it.



13
By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall aplace, and
sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment.



14
Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth
as fowls.



15
By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the
hailstones are broken small.



16
At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the
south wind bloweth.



17
The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth
the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he
scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the
lighting of grasshoppers:



18
The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof,
and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.



19
The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being
congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.



20
When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed
into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and
clotheth the water as with a breastplate.



21
It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and
consumeth the grass as fire.



22
A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew
coming after heat refresheth.



23
By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands
therein.



24
They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and
when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.



25
For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all
kinds of beasts and whales created.



26
By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his
word all things consist.



27
We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he
is all.



28
How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above
all his works.



29
The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his
power.



30
When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for
even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth
all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far
enough.



31
Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify
him as he is?



32
There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have
seen but a few of his works.



33
For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he
given wisdom.



Sir 44
Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.



2
The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great
power from the beginning.



3
Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for
their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and
declaring prophecies:



4
Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their
knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are
their instructions:



5
Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in
writing:



6
Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their
habitations:



7
All these were honoured in their generations, and were the
glory of their times.



8
There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that
their praises might be reported.



9
And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished,
as though they had never been; and are become as though they had
never been born; and their children after them.



10
But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not
been forgotten.



11
With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance,
and their children are within the covenant.



12
Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.



13
Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not
be blotted out.



14
Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for
evermore.



15
The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation
will shew forth their praise.



16
Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example
of repentance to all generations.



17
Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he
was taken in exchange [for the world;] therefore was he left as
a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.



18
An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh
should perish no more by the flood.



19
Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there
none like unto him;



20
Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with
him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was
proved, he was found faithful.



21
Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the
nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust
of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to
inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part
of the land.



22
With Isaac did he establish likewise [for Abraham his
father's sake] the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And
made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his
blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions;
among the twelve tribes did he part them.



Sir 45
And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour
in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men,
whose memorial is blessed.



2
He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him,
so that his enemies stood in fear of him.



3
By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him
glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for
his people, and shewed him part of his glory.



4
He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose
him out of all men.



5
He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark
cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law
of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants,
and Israel his judgments.



6
He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his
brother, of the tribe of Levi.



7
An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the
priesthood among the people; he beautified him with comely
ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.



8
He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich
garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.



9
And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden
bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a
noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to
the children of his people;



10
With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple,
the work of the embroidere, with a breastplate of judgment, and
with Urim and Thummim;



11
With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with
precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of
the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the
number of the tribes of Israel.



12
He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved
Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of
the eyes, goodly and beautiful.



13
Before him there were none such, neither did ever any
stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's
children perpetually.



14
Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice
continually.



15
Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this
was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his
seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should
minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and
bless the people in his name.



16
He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the
Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make
reconciliation for his people.



17
He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the
statutes of judgments, that he should teach Jacob the
testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.



18
Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in
the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's
side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.



19
This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful
indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to
consume them with the fiery flame.



20
But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage,
and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially
he prepared bread in abundance:



21
For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave
unto him and his seed.



22
Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance,
neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord
himself is his portion and inheritance.



23
The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he
had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage
of heart: when the people were turned back, and made
reconciliation for Israel.



24
Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that
he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and
that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the
priesthood for ever:



25
According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of
the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to
his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be
unto his seed.



26
God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in
righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that
their glory may endure for ever.



Sir 46
Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the
successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was
made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking
vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he
might set Israel in their inheritance.



2
How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and
stretched out his sword against the cities!



3
Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought
his enemies unto him.



4
Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as
long as two?



5
He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed
upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.



6
And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to
fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent [of
Beth-horon] he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations
might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of
the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.



7
In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and
Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the
congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the
wicked murmuring.



8
And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were
preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even unto the land
that floweth with milk and honey.



9
The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with
him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of
the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:



10
That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to
follow the Lord.



11
And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart
went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory
be blessed.



12
Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name
of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.



13
Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord,
established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.



14
By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the
Lord had respect unto Jacob.



15
By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his
word he was known to be faithful in vision.



16
He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon
him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.



17
And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise
made his voice to be heard.



18
And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the
princes cf the Philistines.



19
And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight
of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods,
so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.



20
And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his
end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot
out the wickedness of the people.



Sir 47
And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of
David.



2
As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was
David chosen out of the children of Israel.



3
He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with
lambs.



4
Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he
not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his
hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of
Goliath?



5
For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him
strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set
up the horn of his people.



6
So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised
him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of
glory.



7
For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to
nought the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in
sunder unto this day.



8
In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words
of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that
made him.



9
He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices
they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their
songs.



10
He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times
until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that
the temple might sound from morning.



11
The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever:
he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in
Israel.



12
After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at
large.



13
Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for
God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house
in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.



14
How wise wast thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled with
understanding!



15
Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with
dark parables.



16
Thy name went far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou
wast beloved.



17
The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs,
and parables, and interpretations.



18
By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of
Israel, thou didst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver
as lead.



19
Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou
wast brought into subjection.



20
Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that
thou broughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for
thy folly.



21
So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a
rebellious kingdom.



22
But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall
any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity
of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not
take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of
him a root unto David.



23
Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left
behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one
that had no understanding, who turned away the people through
his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:



24
And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were
driven out of the land.



25
For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came
upon them.



Sir 48
Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned
like a lamp.



2
He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he
diminished their number.



3
By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three
times brought down fire.



4
O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and
who may glory like unto thee!



5
Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from
the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:



6
Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honorable men from
their bed:



7
Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb
the judgment of vengeance:



8
Who annointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to
succeed after him:



9
Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of
fiery horses:



10
Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the
wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury,
and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore
the tribes of Jacob.



11
Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we
shall surely live.



12
Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus
was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved
with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him
into subjection.



13
No word could overcome him; and after his death his body
prophesied.



14
He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works
marvellous.



15
For all this the people repented not, neither departed they
from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their
land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there
remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:



16
Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some
multiplied sins.



17
Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the
midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells
for waters.



18
In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and
lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.



19
Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain,
as women in travail.



20
But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and
stretched out their hands toward him: and immediately the Holy
One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry
of Esay.



21
He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed
them.



22
For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was
strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who
was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.



23
In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the
king's life.



24
He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the
last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.



25
He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret
things or ever they came.



Sir 49
The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the
perfume that is made by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet
as honey in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of wine.



2
He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people,
and took away the abominations of iniquity.



3
He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the
ungodly he established the worship of God.



4
All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for
they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda
failed.



5
Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to
a strange nation.



6
They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the
streets desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.



7
For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet,
sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and
afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also, and
plant.



8
It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed
him upon the chariot of the cherubims.



9
For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the
rain, and directed them that went right.



10
And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and
let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they
comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.



11
How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on
the right hand:



12
So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded
the house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was
prepared for everlasting glory.



13
And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who
raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the
gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.



14
But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was
taken from the earth.



15
Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of
his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of
the Lord.



16
Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam
above every living thing in creation.



Sir 50
Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life
repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:



2
And by him was built from the foundation the double height,
the high fortress of the wall about the temple:



3
In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as
the sea, was covered with plates of brass:



4
He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and
fortified the city against besieging:



5
How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming
out of the sanctuary!



6
He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as
the moon at the full:



7
As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as
the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:



8
And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as
lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the
frankincense tree in the time of summer:



9
As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten
gold set with all manner of precious stones:



10
And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a
cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds.



11
When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the
perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made
the garment of holiness honourable.



12
When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he
himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a
young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him
round about.



13
So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the
oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the
congregation of Israel.



14
And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn
the offering of the most high Almighty,



15
He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood
of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a
sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.



16
Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver
trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance
before the most High.



17
Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the
earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the
most High.



18
The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great
variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.



19
And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer
before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was
ended, and they had finished his service.



20
Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole
congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of
the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.



21
And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time,
that they might receive a blessing from the most High.



22
Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth
wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the
womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy.



23
He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our
days in Israel for ever:



24
That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at
his time!



25
There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and
the third is no nation:



26
They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that
dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell
in Sichem.



27
Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this
book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of
his heart poured forth wisdom.



28
Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he
that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.



29
For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the
light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly.
Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.

[A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach.]



Sir 51
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my
Saviour: I do give praise unto thy name:



2
For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my
body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous
tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been mine
helper against mine adversaries:



3
And hast delivered me, according to the multitude of they
mercies and greatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that
were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought
after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;



4
From the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of
the fire which I kindled not;



5
From the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue,
and from lying words.



6
By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my
soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell
beneath.



7
They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help
me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.



8
Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of
old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them
out of the hands of the enemies.



9
Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth, and prayed
for deliverance from death.



10
I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would
not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the
proud, when there was no help.



11
I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praises
with thanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard:



12
For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from
the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee,
and bless they name, O Lord.



13
When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom
openly in my prayer.



14
I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her out
even to the end.



15
Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart
delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up
sought I after her.



16
I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat
much learning.



17
I profited therein, therefore will I ascribe glory unto him
that giveth me wisdom.



18
For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that
which is good; so shall I not be confounded.



19
My soul hath wrestled with her, and in my doings I was exact:
I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above,
and bewailed my ignorances of her.



20
I directed my soul unto her, and I found her in pureness:
I have had my heart joined with her from the beginning,
therefore shall I not be foresaken.



21
My heart was troubled in seeking her: therefore have I gotten
a good possession.



22
The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward,
and I will praise him therewith.



23
Draw near unto me, ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.



24
Wherefore are ye slow, and what say ye to these things,
seeing your souls are very thirsty?



25
I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.



26
Put your neck under the yoke, and let your soul receive
instruction: she is hard at hand to find.



27
Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and
have gotten unto me much rest.



28
Get learning with a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.



29
Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.



30
Work your work betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.