/Sir/ - Sirach

18Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.

2But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon for that they had been enemies.

3Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire, both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them honourably.

4For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to be given unto the world.

5And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.

6Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer.

7So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the righteous, and destruction of the enemies.

8For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same thou didst glorify us, whom thou hadst called.

9For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise.

10But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.

11The master and the servant were punished after one manner; and like as the king, so suffered the common person.

12So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.

13For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.

14For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her swift course,

15Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,

16And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth.

17Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them unlooked for.

18And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the cause of his death.

19For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.

20Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.

21For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was thy servant.

22So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished, alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.

23For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way to the living.

24For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy Majesty upon the diadem of his head.

25Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.

19As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: for he knew before what they would do;

2How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.

3For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.

4For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was wanting to their torments:

5And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they might find a strange death.

6For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:

7As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:

8Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.

9For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.

10For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.

11But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when, being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.

12For quails came up unto them from the sea for their contentment.

13And punishments came upon the sinners not without former signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.

14For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.

15And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those, because they used strangers not friendly:

16But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.

17Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.

18For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.

19For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things, that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.

20The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the water forgat his own quenching nature.

21On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt to melt.

22For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst assist them in every time and place.

The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18The 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30Exalt 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10Look 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18Saying, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22But 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10Be 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

17For 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6And 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.

7Make 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

14Be 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.

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