Ecclesiasticus 7

Embark on a journey of practical wisdom and moral teachings through the book of Ecclesiasticus. Penned by Jesus ben Sirach, a wise scholar, this collection of proverbs, instructions, and musings serves as a guide for righteous living. Drawing from his own experiences and the wisdom of his ancestors, Jesus ben Sirach covers a range of topics, including friendship, family, wealth, and the pursuit of knowledge. With its straightforward advice and practical insights, Ecclesiasticus stands as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.

1Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.
2Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from thee.
3My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold.
4Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.
5justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king.
6Seek 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.
7Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people.
8Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.
9Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.
10Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
11Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
12Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.
13Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.
14Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.
15Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.
16Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.
17Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms.
18Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
19Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold.
20Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
21Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty.
22Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy profit, keep them with thee.
23Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth.
24Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheerful toward them.
25Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.
26Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyself over to a light woman.
27Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy mother.
28Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee?
29Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.
30Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers.
31Fear 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.
32And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected.
33A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for the dead detain it not.
34Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.
35Be not slow to visit the sick: fir that shall make thee to be beloved.
36Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.