Sirach 25:1-14

1. 1 In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.

2. 2 Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.

3. 3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find any thing in thine age?

4. 4 O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel!

5. 5 O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour.

6. 6 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.

7. 7 There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy:

8. 8 Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself:

9. 9 Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:

10. 10 O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.

11. 11 But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?

12. 12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.

13. 13 [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:

14. 14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.

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