Sirach 40:3-23
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3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;
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4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.
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5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.
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6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
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7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.
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8 [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
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9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;
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10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.
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11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.
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12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.
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13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.
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14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.
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15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
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16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.
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17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
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18 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.
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19 Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
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20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.
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21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.
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22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.
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23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.