Sirach 10:1-13
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1 A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of a prudent man is well ordered.
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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.
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3 An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited.
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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.
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5 In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.
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6 Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do nothing at all by injurious practices.
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7 Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.
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8 Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.
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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.
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10 The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to day a king to morrow shall die.
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11 For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things, beasts, and worms.
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12 The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his Maker.
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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.