Sirach 14 — WEBC
14Verse 1Blessed is the man who has not slipped with his mouth,and doesn’t suffer from sorrow for sins.Verse 2Blessed is he whose soul does not condemn him,and who has not given up hope.Verse 3Riches are not appropriate for a stingy person.What would a miser do with money?Verse 4He who gathers by denying himself gathers for others.Others will revel in his goods.Verse 5If one is mean to himself, to whom will he be good?He won’t enjoy his possessions.Verse 6There is none more evil than he who is grudging to himself.This is a punishment for his wickedness.Verse 7Even if he does good, he does it in forgetfulness.In the end, he reveals his wickedness.Verse 8A miser is evil.He turns away and disregards souls.Verse 9A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion.Wicked injustice dries up his soul.Verse 10A miser begrudges bread,and it is lacking at his table.Verse 11My son, according to what you have, treat yourself well,and bring worthy offerings to the Lord.Verse 12Remember that death will not wait,and that the covenant of Hades hasn’t been shown to you.Verse 13Do good to your friends before you die.According to your ability, reach out and give to them.Verse 14Don’t deprive yourself of a good day.Don’t let your share of a desired good pass you by.Verse 15Won’t you leave your labors to another,and your toils be divided by lot?Verse 16Give, take, and treat yourself well,because there is no seeking of luxury in Hades.Verse 17All flesh grows old like a garment,for the covenant from the beginning is, “You must die!”Verse 18Like the leaves flourishing on a thick tree,some it sheds, and some grow,so also are the generations of flesh and blood:one comes to an end and another is born.Verse 19Every work rots and falls away,and its builder will depart with it.Verse 20Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom,and who reasons by his understanding.Verse 21He who considers her ways in his heartwill also have knowledge of her secrets.Verse 22Go after her like a hunter,and lie in wait in her paths.Verse 23He who peers in at her windowswill also listen at her doors.Verse 24He who lodges close to her housewill also fasten a nail in her walls.Verse 25He will pitch his tent near at hand to her,and will lodge in a lodging where good things are.Verse 26He will set his children under her shelter,and will rest under her branches.Verse 27By her he will be covered from heat,and will lodge in her glory.