The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 21

1 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 p r 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 ot r 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 fool h man’s foot is soon in his ne hbour’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