The King James Version Bible

Sirach 40:12-30

  1. All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.

  2. The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.

  3. While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.

  4. The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.

  5. The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.

  6. Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.

  7. To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.

  8. Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.

  9. Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.

  10. The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.

  11. Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.

  12. A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.

  13. Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.

  14. Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.

  15. Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.

  16. The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.

  17. My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.

  18. The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.

  19. Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.