Sirach 11:5-23
-
5 Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thought of hath worn the crown.
-
6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable delivered into other men's hands.
-
7 Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.
-
8 Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
-
9 Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgment with sinners.
-
10 My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.
-
11 There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.
-
12 Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,
-
13 And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the
-
14 Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord.
-
15 Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.
-
16 Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.
-
17 The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his favour bringeth prosperity for ever.
-
18 There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this his the portion of his reward:
-
19 Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.
-
20 Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old in thy work.
-
21 Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.
-
22 The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.
-
23 Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter?