chapters 1 through 5 of the Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, Dewey Rheem's version. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Prologue. The knowledge of many and great things has been shown us by the law and the prophets and others that have followed them. For which things Israel is to be commended for doctrine and wisdom. Because not only they that speak must needs be skillful, but strangers also, both speaking and writing, may by their means become most learned. My grandfather Jesus, after he had much given himself to a diligent reading of the law and the prophets and other books that were delivered to us from our fathers, had a mind also to write something himself pertaining to doctrine and wisdom, that such as our desires to learn and are made knowing in these things may be more and more attentive in mind and be strengthened to live according to the law. I entreat you therefore to come with benevolence and to read with attention and to pardon us for those things wherein we may seem, while we follow the image of wisdom to come short in the composition of words. For the Hebrew words have not the same force in them when translated into another tongue. And not only these, but the law also itself and the prophets and the rest of the books have no small difference when they are spoken in their own language. Before in the eighth and thirteenth year coming into Egypt, when Ptolemy ever gets was king and continuing there a long time, I found their books left of no small or contemptible learning. Therefore I thought it good and necessary for me to bestow some diligence and labor to interpret this book. And with much watching and study in some space of time, I brought the book to an end and set it forth for the service of them that are willing to apply their mind and to learn how they ought to conduct themselves, who purpose to lead their life according to the law of the Lord. Who hath measured the height of heaven and the breadth of the earth and the depth of the abyss? Who hath searched out the wisdom of God that goeth before all things? Wisdom hath been created before all things and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. The word of God on high is the fountain of wisdom and her ways are everlasting commandments. To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed and who hath known her wise counsels? To whom hath the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest and who hath understood the multiplicity of her steps? There is one most high creator almighty and a powerful king and greatly to be feared who sitteth upon his throne and is the God of dominion. He created her in the Holy Ghost and saw her and numbered her and measured her and he poured her out upon all his works and upon all flesh according to his gift. It hath given her to them that love him. The fear of the Lord is honor and glory and gladness and a crown of joy. The fear of the Lord shall delight the hearts and shall give joy and gladness and length of days. With him that feareth the Lord it shall go well in the latter end and in the day of his death he shall be blessed. The love of God is honorable wisdom and they to whom she shall show herself love her by the sight and by the knowledge of her great works. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and was created with the faithful in the womb. The walketh with chosen women and is known with the just and faithful. The fear of the Lord is the religiousness of knowledge. Religiousness shall keep and justify the heart. It shall give joy and gladness. It shall go well with him that feareth the Lord and in the days of his end he shall be blessed. The fear of God is the fullness of wisdom and fullness is from the fruits thereof. She shall fill all her house with her increase and the storehouses with her treasures. The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, filling up peace and the fruit of salvation. And it hath seen and numbered her, but both are the gifts of God. Wisdom shall distribute knowledge and understanding of prudence and exalteth the glory of them that hold her. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord and the branches thereof are long lived. And the treasures of wisdom is understanding and religiousness of knowledge. But to sinners wisdom is an abomination. The fear of the Lord driveeth out sin, for he that is without fear cannot be justified, for the wrath of his high spirits is his ruin. A patient man shall bear for a time, and afterwards joy shall be restored to him. A good understanding will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom. And the treasures of wisdom is the signification of discipline, but the worship of God is an abomination to a sinner. Son, if thou desire wisdom, keep justice, and God will give her to thee. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline, and that which is agreeable to him is faith and meekness, and he will fill up his treasures. Be not incredulous to the fear of the Lord, and come not to him with a double heart. Be not a hypocrite in the sight of men, and let not thy lips be a stumbling block to thee.  And God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou came us to the Lord wickedly, and thy heart is full of guile and deceit. Son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation, humble thy hearts and endure, incline thine ear, and receive the words of understanding, and make not haste in the time of clouds. Wait on God with patience, join thyself to God and endure, that thy life may be increased in the latter end. Take all that shall be brought upon thee, and in thy sorrow endure, and in thy humiliation keep patience, for gold and silver are tried in the fire, but acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. Believe God, and he will recover thee, and direct thy way, and trust in him. Keep his fear, and grow old therein. E that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, and go not aside from him, lest ye fall. E that fear the Lord, believe him, and your reward shall not be made void. E that fear the Lord, hope in him, and mercy shall come to you for your delight. E that fear the Lord, love him, and your hearts shall be enlightened. My children, behold the generations of men, and know ye that no one hath hoped in the Lord, and hath been confounded. For who hath continued in his commandments, and hath been forsaken? Or who hath called upon him, and he despised him? For God is compassionate and merciful, and will forgive sins in the day of tribulation, and he is a protector to all that seek him in truth. Woe to them that are of a double heart, and to wicked lips, and to the hands that do evil, and to the sinner that goeth on the earth two ways. Woe to them that are faint-hearted, who believe not God, and therefore they shall not be protected by him. Woe to them that have lost patience, and that have forsaken the right ways, and have gone aside into crooked paths. And what will they do when the Lord shall begin to examine? They that fear the Lord will not be incredulous to his word, and they that love him will keep his way. They that fear the Lord will seek after the things that are well-pleasing to him, and they that love him shall be filled with his law. They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in his sights will sanctify their souls. They that fear the Lord keep his commandments, and will have patience even until his visitation, saying, if we do not penance we shall fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men. For according to his greatness so also is his mercy with him. Chapter 3 The sons of wisdom are the church of the just, and their generation obedience and love. Children, hear the judgment of your Father, and so do that you may be saved. For God hath made the Father honorable to the children, and seeking the judgment of the mothers hath confirmed it upon the children. He that loveth God shall obtain pardon for his sins by prayer, and shall refrain himself from them, and shall be heard in the prayer of days. And he that honoreth his mother is as one that layeth up a treasure. He that honoreth his father shall have joy in his own children, and in the day of his prayer he shall be heard.  He that feareth the Lord honoreth his parents, and will serve them as his masters that brought him into the world. Honor thy Father in work and word and all patience, that a blessing may come upon thee from him, and his blessing may remain in the latter end. The Father's blessing establisheth the houses of the children, but the mother's curse rudeth up the foundation. Glory not in the dishonor of thy Father, for his shame is no glory to thee. For the glory of a man is from the honor of his Father, and a Father without honor is the disgrace of the Son. Son, support the old age of thy Father, and grieve him not in his life. And if his understanding fail, have patience with him, and despise him not, will now art in thy strength. For the relieving of the Father shall not be forgotten, for good shall be repaid to thee for the sin of thy mother. And in justice thou shall be built up, and in the day of affliction thou shall be remembered, and thy sins shall melt away as the ice in the fair warm weather.  My son, do thy works in meekness, and thou shall be beloved above the glory of men. The greater thou art, the more humble thyself in all things, and thou shalt find grace before God. For great is the power of God alone, and he is honored by the humble. Seek not the things that are too high for thee, and search not into the things above thy ability. But the things that God hath commanded thee, think on them always, and in many ways of his works be not curious. For it is not necessary for thee to see with thy eyes those things that are hidden. In unnecessary matters be not over curious, and in many of his works thou shall not be inquisitive. For many things are shown to thee above the understanding of men, and the suspicion of them hath deceived many, and hath detained their minds in vanity. A hard heart shall fear evil at the last, and he that loveth danger shall perish in it. A heart that goeth two ways shall not have success, and the perversive heart shall be scandalized therein. A wicked heart shall be laden with sorrows, and the sinner will add sin to sin. The congregation of the proud shall not be healed, for the plant of wickedness shall take root in them, and it shall not be perceived. The heart of the wise is understood in wisdom, and a good ear will hear wisdom with all desire. A wise heart, and which hath understanding, will abstain from sins, and in the works of justice shall have success. Water quenched at the flaming fire, and alms resisted the sins, and God provided for him that showeth favor. He remembered him afterwards, and in the time of his fall he shall find a sure stay. Chapter 4 Son, defraud not the poor of alms, and turn not away thy eyes from the poor. Despise not the hungry soul, and provoke not the boar in his want. Afflict not the heart of the needy, and defer not to give to him that is in distress. Reject not the petition of the afflicted, and turn not away thy face from the needy. Turn not away thy eyes from the poor for fear of anger, and leave not to them that ask of thee to curse thee behind thy back. For the prayer of him that curses thee in the bitterness of his soul shall be heard, for he that made him will hear him. Make thyself affable to the congregation of the poor, and humble thy soul to the ancients, and bow thy head to a great man. Bow down thy ear cheerfully to the poor, and pay what thou o'est, and answer him peaceable words with mildness. Deliver him that suffereth wrong out of the hand of the proud, and be not faint-hearted in thy soul. And judging be merciful to the fatherless as a father, and as a husband to their mother. And thou shall be as the obedient son of the Most High, and he will have mercy on thee more than a mother. Wisdom inspireeth life into her children, and protecteth them that seek after her, and will go before them in the way of justice. And he that loveth her loveth life, and they that watch for her shall embrace her sweetness.  They that serve her shall be servants to the Holy One, and God loveth them that love her. He that harkeneth to her shall judge nations, and he that looketh upon her shall remain secure. If ye trust to her, ye shall inherit her, and his generation shall be in assurance. For she walketh with him in temptation, and at the first she chooseth him. She will bring upon him fear and dread and trial, and she will scourge him with the affliction of her discipline, till she try him by her laws, and trust his soul. Then she will strengthen him, and make a straight way to him, and give him joy. And will disclose her secrets to him, and will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and understanding of justice. But if ye go astray, she will forsake him, and deliver him into the hands of his enemy. Son, observe the time, and fly from evil. For thy soul be not ashamed to say the truth. For there is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame that bringeth glory and grace. Accept no person against thine own person, nor against thy soul a lie. Reverence not thy neighbor in his fall, and refrain not to speak in the time of salvation. Hide not thy wisdom in her beauty, for by the tongue wisdom is discerned, and understanding and knowledge, and learning by the word of the wise, and steadfastness in the works of justice. And know why speak against the truth, but be ashamed of the lie of thy ignorance. Be not ashamed to confess thy sins, but submit not thyself to every man for sin. Resist not against the face of the mighty. Do not strive against the stream of the river. Strive for justice in thy soul, and even unto death fight for justice, and God will overthrow thy enemies for thee. Be not hasty in thy tongue, and slack and remiss in thy works. Be not as a lion in thy house, terrifying them of thy household, and oppressing them that are under thee.  Chapter 5 Set not thy heart upon unjust possessions, and say not, I have enough to live on, for it shall be of no service in the time of vengeance and darkness. Follow not in thy strength the desires of thy hearts, and say not, How mighty am I, and who shall bring me under for my deeds, for God will surely take revenge. Say not, I have sinned, and wet's harm hath befallen me. For the most high is a patient rewarder. Be not without fear about sin forgiven, and add not sin upon sin, and say not, The mercy of the Lord is great. He will have mercy on the multitude of my sins. For mercy and wrath quickly come from him, and his wrath looketh upon sinners. Delay not to be converted to the Lord, and defer it not from day to day.  Be not anxious for goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity and revenge. Win not with every wind, and go not into every way. For so is every sinner approved by a double tongue. Be steadfast in the way of the Lord, and in the truth of thy judgment, and in knowledge, and let the word of peace and justice keep with thee. Be meek to hear the word that thou mayest understand, and return a true answer with wisdom. That thou have understanding answer thy neighbor, but if not let thy hand be upon thy mouth, lest thou be surprised in an unskillful word, and be confounded. Honor and glory is in the word of the wise, but the tongue of the fool is his ruin. Be not called a whisperer, and be not taken in thy tongue and confounded. For confusion and repentance is upon a thief, and an evil mark of disgrace upon the double-tongued, but to the whisperer hatred and enmity and reproach. Justify alike the small and the great. Chapter 6-10 Instead of a friend, become not an enemy to thy neighbor, for an evil man shall inherit reproach and shame. So shall every sinner that is envious and double-tongued, extol not thyself in the thoughts of thy soul like a bull, lest thy strength be squashed by folly, eat up thy leaves and destroy thy fruit, and now be left as a dry tree in the wilderness. For a wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and maketh him to be a joy to his enemies, and shall lead him into the lot of the wicked, a sweet word multiplyeth friends and appeaseth enemies, and a gracious tongue and a good man aboundeth. Be in peace with many, but let one of a thousand be thy counselor, if thou wouldest get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily. For there is a friend for his own occasion, and he will not abide in the day of thy trouble. And there is a friend that turneth to enmity, and there is a friend that will disclose hatred and strife and reproaches. And there is a friend a companion at the table, and he will not abide in the day of distress. A friend, if he continues steadfast, shall be to thee as thyself, and shall act with confidence among them of thy household. If he humble himself before thee, and hide himself from thy face, thou shall have unanimous friendship for good. Separate thyself from thy enemies, and take heed of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong defense, and he that hath found him hath found a treasure. Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity. A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality, and they that fear the Lord shall find him. He that feareth God shall likewise have good friendship, because according to him shall his friend be. My son, from thy youth up receive instruction, and even to thy gray hair as thou shall find wisdom. Come to her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits. For in working about her, thou shall labor a little, and shall quickly eat of her fruits. How very unpleasant is wisdom to the unlearned, and the unwise will not continue with her. She shall be to them as a mighty stone of trial, and they will cast her from them before it be long. For the wisdom of doctrine is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many, but with them to whom she is known, she continueeth even to the sight of God. Give ear, my son, and take wise counsel, and cast not away my advice. Put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chains. Bow down thy shoulder and bear her, and be not grieved with her bands.  Search for her, and she shall be made known to thee. And when thou hast gotten her, let her not go. For in the latter end thou shall find rest in her, and she shall be turned to thy joy. Then shall her fetters be a strong defense for thee, and a firm foundation, and her chain a robe of glory.  Thou shalt put her on as a robe of glory, and thee shall set her upon thee as a crown of joy. My son, if thou wilt attend to me, thou shalt learn. And if thou wilt apply thine mind, thou shalt be wise. But if thou wilt incline thy ear, thou shalt receive instruction. And if thou love to hear, thou shalt be wise. Stand in the multitude of ancients that are wise, and join thyself from thy heart to their wisdom, that thou mayest hear every discourse of God, and the sayings of praise may not escape thee. And if thou see a man of understanding, go to him early in the morning, and let thy foot wear the steps of his doors. Let thy thoughts be upon the precepts of God, and meditate continually on his commandments, and he will give thee a heart, and the desire of wisdom shall be given thee. Chapter 7 Do no evils, and no evils shall lay hold of thee. Depart from the unjust, and evils shall depart from thee. My son, sow not evils in the forrows of injustice, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold. Seek not of the Lord preeminence, nor of the King the seat of honor. Justify not thyself before God, for he knoweth the heart, and desire not to appear wise before the King. Seek not to be made a judge, unless thou have strength enough to expirate iniquities. Lest thou fear the person of the powerful, and lay a stumbling block for thy integrity. Offend not against the multitude of a city, either cast thyself in upon the people, nor bind sin to sin, for even in one thou shalt not be unpunished. Be not faint-hearted in thy mind, neglect not to pray, and to give alms. Say not, God will have respect to the multitude of my gifts, and when I offer to the Most High God, he will accept my offerings. Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul, for there is one that humbleth and exalteth, God who seeth all. Devise not a lie against thy brother, neither do the like against thy friend. Be not willing to make any manner of lie, for the custom thereof is not good. Be not full of words in a multitude of ancients, and repeat not the word in thy prayer. Ate not laborious works, nor husbandry ordained by the Most High. Number not thyself among the multitude of the disorderly. Remember wrath, for it will not tarry long. Humble thy spirit very much, for the vengeance on the flesh of the ungodly is fire in worms. Do not transgress against thy friend, differing money, nor despise thy dear brother for the sake of gold. Depart not from a wise and good wife, whom thou best gotten in the fear of the Lord, for the grace of her modesty is above gold. Hurt not the servant that worketh faithfully, nor the hired man that giveth thee his life. Let a wise servant be dear to thee, as thine own soul. Defraud him not of liberty, nor leave him needy. Ask thou cattle, have an eye to them, and if they be for thy prophets, keep them with thee. Ask thou children, instruct them, and bow down their neck from their childhood.  Marry thy daughter well, and then shall do a great work, and give her to a wise man. If thou hast a wife according to thy soul, cast her not off, and to her that is hateful, trust not thyself. With thy whole heart, honor thy father, and forget not the groanings of thy mother. Remember that thou hadst not been born, but through them, and make a return to them, as they have done for thee. With all thy soul, fear the Lord, and reverence his priests. With all thy strength, love him that made thee, and forsake not his ministers. Honor God with all thy soul, and give honor to the priests, and purify thyself with thy arms. Give them their portion, as it is commanded thee, of the first fruits, and of purifications, and for thy negligences, purify thyself with a few. Offer to the Lord the gift of thy shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of the holy things, and stretch out thy hand to the poor, that thy expiation and thy blessing may be perfected, a gift hath grace in the sight of all living, and restrain not grace from the dead. Be not wanting and comforting them that weep, and walk with them that mourn. Be not slow to visit the sick, for by these things thou shalt be confirmed in love. In all thy works remember thy last end, and thou shalt never sin. Chapter 8 Strive not with a powerful man, least thou fall into his hands. Content not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against thee. For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them. Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heep not wood upon his fire.  Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach him therewith. Remember that we are all worthy of reproof. Despise not a man in his old age, for we also shall become old. Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy, knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death. Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs. For of them thou shalt learn wisdom and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame. Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers. For of them thou shalt learn understanding and to give an answer in time of need. Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest thou be burnt with the fire of the flame of their sins.  Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself, and if thou lendest, count it as lost. Be not surety above thy power, and if thou be surety, think as if thou were to pay it. Judge not against the judge, for he judges according to that which is just. Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee with his evils, for he goeth according to his own will, and thou shalt perish together with his folly.  Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them. Before a stranger, do no matter of counsel, for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.  Chapter 9 Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, lest she show in thy regard the malice of a wicked lesson. Give not the power of thy soul to a woman, lest she enter upon thy strength, and thou be confounded. Look not upon a woman that hath in mind for many, lest thou fall into her snares. Use not much the company of her that is a dancer, and harken not to her, lest thou perish by the force of her charms. Gaze not upon a maiden, lest her beauty be a stumbling block to thee. Give not thy soul to harlots in any point, lest thou destroy thyself in thy inheritance. Look not round about thee in the ways of the city, nor wander up and down the streets thereof. Turn away thy face from a woman dressed up, and gaze not about upon another's beauty. For many have perished by the beauty of a woman, and hereby lust is incandled as a fire. Every woman, that is a harlot, shall be trodden upon as dung in the way. Many by admiring the beauty of another's wife have become retrobates, for her conversation burneth as fire. Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor repose upon the bed with her, and strive not with her over wine, lest thy heart decline toward her, and by thy blood thou fall into destruction, forsake not an old friend, for a new will not be like to him. A new friend is as new wine, and shall grow old, and thou shall drink its with pleasure, and be not the glory and riches of a sinner, for thou knowest not what his ruin shall be. Be not pleased with the wrong done by the unjust, knowing that even to hell the wicked shall not please. Keep thee far from the man that has power to kill, so thou shalt not suspect the fear of death, and if thou come to him commit no fault, lest he take away thy life. Know it to be a communication with death, for thou art going in the midst of snares, and walking upon the arms of them that are grieved. According to thy power beware of thy neighbor, and treat with the wise and the prudent. Let just men be thy guests, and let thy glory be in the fear of God, and let the thought of God be in thy mind, and all thy discourse on the commandments of the highest. Work shall be praised for the hand of the artificers, and the prince of the people for the wisdom of his speech, but the word of the ancients for the sense.  Chapter 10 A wise judge shall judge his people, and the government of a prudent man shall be steady. As the judge of the people is himself, so also are his ministers, and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such also are they that dwell therein. An unwise king shall be the ruin of his people, and cities shall be inhabited through the prudence of their rulers. The power of the earth is in the hand of God, and in his time he will raise up a profitable ruler over it. The prosperity of a man is in the hand of God, and upon the person of the scribe he shall lay his honor. Remember not an injury done thee by thy neighbor, and do thou nothing by deeds of injury. Pride is hateful before God and men, and all iniquity of nations is exerable. A kingdom is translated from one people to another because of injustices, and wrongs and injuries, and divers deceits. But nothing is more wicked than the covetous man. Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than to love money. For such and one seteth even his own soul to sail, because while he liveth, he casteth away his bowels. All power is of short life. A long sickness is troublesome to the physician. The physician cuteth off a short sickness, so also a king is today.  For when a man shall die, he shall inherit serpents and beasts and worms. The beginning of the pride of man is to fall off from God, because his heart is departed from him that made him. For pride is the beginning of all sin. He that holdeth it shall be filled with maldictions, and it shall ruin him in the end. Therefore hath the Lord disgraced the assembly of the wicked, and hath utterly destroyed them. God hath overturned the thrones of proud princes, and hath set up the meek in their stead. God hath made the roots of proud nations to wither, and hath planted the humble of these nations. The Lord hath overthrown the lands of the Gentiles, and hath destroyed them even to the foundation. He hath made some of them to wither away, and hath destroyed them, and hath made the memory of them to cease from the earth. God hath abolished the memory of the proud, and hath preserved the memory of them that are humble in mind. Pride was not made for men, nor wrath for the race of women. That seed of men shall be honored, which feareth God, but that seed shall be dishonored, which transgresses the commandments of the Lord. In the midst of brethren that their chief is honorable, so shall they that fear the Lord be in his eyes. The fear of God is the glory of the rich, and of the honorable, and of the poor. The spy is not a just man that is poor, and do not magnify a sinful man that is rich. The great man and the judge, and the mighty is in honor, and there is none greater than he that feareth God. They that are free shall serve a servant that is wise, and a man that is prudent and well instructed will not murmur when he is reproved, and he that is ignorant shall not be honored. Extol not thyself in doing thy work, and linger not in the time of distress. Better is he that laboreth and aboundeth in all things than he that boasteth himself and wanteth bread. My son, keep thy soul in meekness, and give it honor according to its dessert. Who will justify him that sineth against his own soul? And who will honor him that dishonoreth his own soul? The poor man is glorified by his discipline and fear, and there is a man that is honored for his wealth. But he that is glorified in poverty, how much more in wealth, and he that is glorified in wealth, let him fear poverty. End of chapters 6 through 10. Chapters 11 through 15 of Egliseasticus, Dewey Rheem's version, the sleeper-box recording is in the public domain. The wisdom of the humble shall exalt his head, and shall make him sit in the midst of great men. Praise not a man for his beauty, neither despise a man for his look. A bee is small among flying things, but her fruit hath the chiefest sweetness. Glory not in apparel at any time, and be not exalted in the day of thy honor. For the works of the highest only are wonderful, and his works are glorious and secret and hidden. Many tyrants have sat on the throne, and he whom no man would think on hath worn the crown. Many mighty men have been greatly brought down, and the glorious have been delivered into the hands of others. Before thou inquire, blame no man, and when thou hast inquired, reprove justly. Before thou hear, answer not a word, and interrupt not others in the midst of their discourse. Strive not in a manner which doth not concern thee, and sit not in judgment with sinners. My son, meddle not with many manners, and if thou be rich, thou shalt not be free from sin, for if thou pursue after, thou shalt not overtake, and if thou run before, thou shalt not escape. There is an ungodly man that laboreth, and maketh haste, and is in sorrow, and is so much the more in want. Again, there is an inactive man that wanteth help, his very weak inability and full of poverty. Yet the eye of God hath looked upon him for good, and hath lifted him up from his low estate, and hath exalted his hand, and many have wandered at him, and have glorified God. Good things and evil, life and death, poverty and riches are from God. Wisdom and discipline and the knowledge of the law are with God. Love and the ways of good things are with him. Error and darkness are created with sinners, and they that glory and evil things grow old and evil. The gift of God abideth with the just, and his advancement shall have success forever. There is one that is enriched by living sparingly, and this is the portion of his reward, in that he saith, I have found me rest, and now I will eat of my goods alone. And he knoweth not what time shall pass, and that death approaches, and that he must leave all to others, and shall die. Be steadfast in thy covenants, and be conversant therein, and grow old in the work of thy commandments. Abide not in the works of sinners, but trust in God, and stay in thy place. For it is easy in the eyes of God and the sudden to make the poor man rich. The blessing of God makeeth haste to reward the just, and in a swift hour his plething beareth fruit. Say not, what need I, and what good shall I have by this? Say not, I am sufficient for myself, and what shall I be made worse by this? In the day of good things, be not unmindful of evils. And in the day of evils, be not unmindful of good things. For it is easy before God in the day of death to reward everyone according to his ways. The affliction of an hour makeeth one forget great delights, and in the end of a man is the disclosing of his works. Praise not any man before death, for a man is known by his children. Bring not every man into thy house, for many are the snares of the deceitful. For as corrupted bowels sin forth stinking breath, and as the partridge is brought into the cage, and as the row into the snare, so also is the heart of the proud, and as a spy that looketh on the fall of his neighbor. For he lieth in wait and turneth good into evil, and on the elect he will lay a blot. Of one spark cometh a great fire, and of one deceitful man much blood. And a sinful man lieth in wait for blood. Take heed to thyself of a mischievous man, for he worketh evils, lest he bring upon thee reproach for ever. Receive a stranger in, and he shall overthrow thee with a whirlwind, and shall turn thee out of thine own. Chapter 12 If thou do good, know to whom thou doest it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds. Do good to the just, and now shall find great recompense, and if not of him assuredly of the Lord. For there is no good for him that is always occupied in evil, and that giveth no alms. For the highest hate the sinners, and hath mercy on the penitent. Give to the merciful and uphold not the sinner. God will repay vengeance to the ungodly and to sinners, and keep them against the day of vengeance. Give to the good, and receive not a sinner. Do good to the humble, and give not to the ungodly. Hold back thy bread, and give it not to him, lest thereby he overmaster thee. For thou shall receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shall have done to him. For the highest also hate the sinners, and pay vengeance to the ungodly. A friend shall not be known in prosperity, and an enemy shall not be hidden in adversity. In the prosperity of a man his enemies are grieved, and a friend is known in his adversity. Never trust thy enemy, for as a brass pot his wickedness resteth. Though he humble himself and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him. Do not by thee, neither let him sit on thy right hand, lest he turn into thy place, and seek to take thy seat, and at the last thou acknowledge my words, and be pricked with my sayings. Who will pity an enchanter struck by a serpent, or any that come near wild beasts? So is it with him that keepeth company with a wicked man, and is involved in his sins? For an hour he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to decline he will not endure it. An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he lieth and waits to throw thee into a pit. An enemy weepeth with his eyes, but if he find an opportunity he will not be satisfied with blood. And if evils come upon thee, thou shall find him there first. An enemy hath tears in his eyes, and while he pretendeth to help thee, will undermine thy feet. He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance. Chapter 13 He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled with it, and he that hath fellowship with the proud shall put on pride. He shall take a burden upon him that hath fellowship with one more honorable than himself, and have no fellowship with one that is richer than thyself. What agreement shall the earthen pot have with the kettle, for if they knock one against the other it shall be broken? The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he will fume, but the poor is wronged, and must hold his peace. If thou give, he will make use of thee, and if thou have nothing he will forsake thee. If thou have anything he will live with thee, and will make thee bear, and he will not be sorry for thee. If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smiling upon thee will put thee in hope. He will speak thee fair, and will say, What one is thou? And he will shame thee by his meats, till he have drawn thee dry, twice or thrice. And alasst he will laugh at thee, and afterward when he seeeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee. Humble thyself to God, and wait for his hands. Beware that thou be not deceived into folly, and be humbled. Be not lowly in thy wisdom, lest being humbled thou be deceived into folly. If thou be invited by one that is mightier, withdraw thyself, for so he will invite thee the more. Be not troublesome to him, lest thou be put back, and keep not far from him, lest thou be forgotten. Effect not to speak with him as an equal, and believe not his many words, for by much talk he will sift thee, and smiling will examine thee concerning thy secrets.  Take heed to thyself, and attend diligently to what thou hearest, for thou walkest in danger of thy ruin. When thou hearest those things, see as if they were in sleep, and thou shall awake.  Every beast loveth its like, so also every man him that is nearest to himself. All flesh shall consort with the like to itself, and every man shall associate himself to his like. If the wolf shall at any time have fellowship with the lamb, so the sinner with the just. What fellowship hath a holy man with a dog, or what part hath the rich with the poor?  When a rich man is shaken, he is kept up by his friends, and when a poor man is fallen down, he is thrust away even by his acquaintance. When a rich man hath been deceived, he hath many helpers, he hath spoken proud things, and they have justified him. The poor man was deceived, and he is rebuked also. He hath spoken wisely, and could have no place. The rich man spoke, and all held their peace, and he said they extol even to the clouds. The poor man spoke, and they say, Who is this? And if he stumble, they will overthrow him. Riches are good to him that hath no sin in his conscience, and poverty is very wicked in the mouth of the ungodly. The heart of a man changes his countenance, either for good or for evil. The token of a good heart and his countenance thou shall hardly find and with labor. Chapter 14 Blessed is the man that hath not slipped by a word out of his mouth, and is not pricked with the remorse of sin. Happy is he that hath no sadness in his mind, and who has not fallen from his hope. Riches are not comely for a covetous man, and a niggered, and what shall be an envious man to do with gold? He that gathereth together by wronging his own soul, gathereth for others, and another will squander away his goods in riding. He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? And he shall not take pleasure in his goods. There is none worse than he that envieth himself, and this is the reward of his wickedness. And if he do good, he doeth it ignorantly and unwillingly. And at the last he discovereth his wickedness. The eye of the envious is wicked, and he turneth away his face, and despyeth his own soul. The eye of the covetous man is unsatiable in his portion of iniquity. He will not be satisfied till he consume his own soul, drying it up. An evil eye is toward evil things, and he shall not have his fill of bread, but shall be needy and pensive at his own table. My son, if thou have anything, do good to thyself and offer to God worthy offerings.  For the covenant of this world shall surely die. Do good to thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability, stretching out thy hand, give to the poor. God, not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of a good gift overpass thee. Shallst thou not leave to others to divide by lot thy sorrows and labors? Give and take, and justify thy soul. Before thy death, work justice.  All flesh shall fade as grass, and as the leaf that springeth out on a green tree. Some grow, and some fall off. A generation of flesh and blood. One cometh to an end, and another is born. Every work that is corruptible shall fail in the end, and the worker thereof shall go with it. And every excellent work shall be justified, and the worker thereof shall be honored therein. Blessed is the man that shall continue in wisdom, and shall meditate in his justice, and in his mind shall think of the all-seeing eye of God. He that considereth his ways in his heart, and hath understanding in her secrets, who goeth after her as one that traitheth, and stayeth in her ways. He who looketh in on her windows, and hearkeneth at her door. He that lodgeth near her house, and fastening a pin in her walls, shall set up his tents high unto her, where good things shall rest in his lodging forever. He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge under her branches. He shall be protected under her covering from the heat, and shall rest in her glory. Chapter 15 He that feareth God will do good, and he that possesseth justice shall lay hold on her. And she will meet him as an honorable mother, and will receive him as a wife married of a virgin. With the bread of life and understanding she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink. And she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved, and she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded, and she shall exalt him among his neighbors. And in the midst of the church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with the robe of glory. She shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and gladness, and shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name. But foolish men shall not obtain her, and wise men shall meet her. Foolish men shall not see her, for she is far from pride and deceit. Lying men shall be mindful of her, but men that speak truth shall be found with her, and shall advance, even till they come to the sight of God. Praise is not seenly in the mouth of a sinner, for wisdom came forth from God, for praise shall be in the wisdom of God, and shall abound in a faithful mouth, and the sovereign Lord will give praise unto it. Say not, it is through God, that she is not with me, for do not thou the things that he hadeth. Say not, he hath caused me to err, for he hath no need of wicked men. The Lord hadeth all abomination of error, and they that fear him shall not love it. God made man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his own counsel. He added his commandments and precepts, and if thou wilt keep the commandments and perform acceptable fidelity forever, they shall preserve thee. He has set water in fire before thee. Stretch forth thy hand to which thou wilt. Before man is life and death, good and evil, that which he shall choose shall be given him. For the wisdom of God is great, and he is strong in power, seeing all men without ceasing. The eyes of the Lord are towards them that fear him, and he knoweth all the work of man. He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, and he hath given no man licensed to sin, for he desireth not a multitude of faithless and unprofitable children. End of chapters 10 through 15. Chapters 16 through 20 of Ecclesiasticus, Dewey-Reem's version. This Libhavax recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16. Rejoice not in ungodly children if they be multiplied. Neither be delighted in them if the fear of God be not with them. Trust not to their life, and respect not their labors. For better is one that feareth God than a thousand ungodly children, and it is better to die without children than to leave ungodly children. By one that is wise, a country shall be inhabited. The tribe of the ungodly shall become desolate.  In greater things than these my ear hath heard. In the congregation of sinners a fire shall be kindled, and in an unbelieving nation wrath shall dame out. The ancient giants did not obtain pardon for their sins, who were destroyed trusting in their own strength. And he spared not the place where lots sojourned, but abhorred them for the pride of their word. He had not pity on them, destroying the whole nation that extolled themselves in their sins. So did he with the six hundred thousand footmen who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts. And if anyone had been stiff-necked, it is a wonder if he escaped unpunished. For mercy and wrath are with him. He is money to forgive and to pour out indignation. According as his mercy is, so his correction judges the man according to his works. The sinner shall not escape in his repines, and the patience of him that showeth mercy shall not be put off. All mercy shall make a place for every man according to the merit of his works, and according to the wisdom of his rejuvenation. Say not, I shall be hidden from God, and who shall remember me from on high? In such a multitude I shall not be known, for what is my soul to such an immense creation? Behold the heaven and the heaven of heavens, the deep and all the earth, and the things that are in them shall be moved in his sight. The mountains also and the hills, the foundations of the earth, when God shall look upon them, and they shall be shaken with trembling. In all these things the heart is senseless, and every heart is understood by him. In his ways who shall understand, and the storm, which no eye of man see, for many of his works are hidden, but the works of his justice who shall declare, or who shall endure, for the testament is far from some, and the examination of all is in the end. He that wanteth understanding, thinketh vain things, and the foolish and airing man thinketh foolish things. Harken to me, my son, and learn the discipline of understanding, and attend to my words in thy heart. And I will show forth good doctrine in equity, and will seek to declare wisdom, and attend to my words in thy heart. Whilst with equity of spirit, I tell thee the virtues that God hath put upon his works from the beginning, and I show forth in turn his knowledge. The works of God are done in judgment from the beginning, and from the making of them he distinguished their parts, and their beginnings and their generations. He beautified their works forever. They have neither hungered nor labored, and they have not ceased from their works, nor shall any of them straighten his neighbor at any time. Be thou incredulous to his word. After this, God looked upon the earth and filled it with his goods. The soul of every living thing has shown forth before the face thereof, and into it they return again. Chapter 17 God created man of the earth and made him after his own image, and he turned him into it again, and clothed him with strength according to himself. And he gave him the number of his days and time, and gave him power over all things that are upon the earth. He put the fear of him upon all flesh, and he had dominion over beasts and fowls. He created of him a helpmate like to himself. He gave them counsel and a tongue and eyes and ears, and a heart to devise, and he filled them with the knowledge of understanding. He created in them the science of the Spirit. He filled their heart with wisdom and showed them both good and evil. He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the greatness of his works, that they might praise the name which he hath sanctified and glory in his wondrous acts, that they might declare the glorious things of his works. Moreover, he gave them instructions on the law of life for an inheritance. He made an everlasting covenant with them, and he showed them his justice and judgments. And their eye saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice. And he said to them, beware of all iniquity, and he gave to every one of them commandments concerning his neighbor. Their ways are always before him. They are not hidden from his eyes. Over every nation he set a ruler, and Israel was made the manifest portion of God.  Their covenants were not hid by their iniquity, and all their iniquities are in the sight of God. The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and shall preserve the grace of a man as the apple of the eye. And afterward he shall rise up and shall render them their reward to every one upon their own head, and shall turn them down into the bowels of the earth. But to the penitent he had given the way of justice, and he hath strengthened them that were fainting in patience, and hath anointed to them the lot of truth. Turn to the Lord and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before the face of the Lord, and offend less. Return to the Lord, and turn away from thine injustice, and greatly hate abomination, and know the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the Most High God. Go to the side of the holy age with them that live and give praise to God. Tear ye not in the error of the ungodly. Give glory before death. Praise Parashith from the dead as nothing. Give thanks whilst thou art living, whilst thou art alive and in health, thou shalt give thanks, and shall praise God and shall glory in his mercies. How great is the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness to them that turned to him for all things cannot be in man because the Son of man is not immortal, and they are delighted with the vanity of evil. What is brighter than the sun, yet it shall be eclipsed? But what is more wicked than that which flesh and blood hath invented? And this shall be reproved. Chapter 18 E that liveth forever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king forever. Who is able to declare his works? For who shall search out his glorious acts? And who shall so forth the power of his majesty? Or who shall be able to declare his mercy? Nothing may be taken away nor added. Neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God. When a man hath done, then shall he begin, and when he liveth off, you shall be at a loss. What is man, and what is his grace, and what is his good, or what is his evil? The number of days of man at the most are in hundred years. As a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed, and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity. Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil. Therefore hath he filled up his mercy in their favor, and has shown them the way of justice. The compassion of man is towards his neighbor, but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his flock. He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments. My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou giveest us anything, add not grief by an evil word. Shall not the dew assuage the heat, so also the good word is better than the gift. Low is not a word better than a gift, but both are with a justified man. A fool will abrade bitterly, and a gift of one ill-taught consumeth the eyes. Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak. Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and now shall find mercy in the sight of God. Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness show thy conversation. Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death, for the reward of God continueeth forever. Before prayer prepare thy soul, and be not as a man that tempteth God. Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, in the time of repaying, when he shall turn away his face. Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches. From the morning until the evening, the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God. A wise man will fear in everything, and in the days of sins will beware of sloth. Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her. They that were of good understanding and words have also done wisely themselves, and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth proverbs and judgments. Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thine own will. If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies. Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies. Be they ever so small, for their concertation is continual. Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts, when thou has nothing in thy purse, for thou shall be an enemy to thy own life. Chapter 19 A workman that is a drunkard shall not be rich, and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little in little. Wine and women make wise men fall off, and shall rebuke the prudent, and he that jointeth himself to harlots will be wicked.  He that is hasty to give credit is light of heart, and shall be lessened, and he that sinneth against his own soul shall be despised. He that rejoitheth in iniquity shall be censored, and he that hateeth chastisement shall have less life, and he that hateeth babbling extinguishes evil. He that sinneth against his own soul shall repent, and he that is delighted with wickedness shall be condemned. Rehearse not, again, a wicked and harsh word, and now shall not fare the worse. Tell not thy mind, to friend or foe, and if there be a sin with thee, disclose it not. For he will hearken to thee, and will watch thee, and as it were defending thy sin, he will hate thee, and so will he be with thee always. Hast thou heard a word against thy neighbor?    Reprove a friend, lest he may not have understood, and say, I did it not, or if he did it, that he may do it no more. Reprove thy neighbor, for it may be that he hath not said it, and if he hath said it, that he may not say it again. Admonish thy friend, for there is often a fault commuted, and believe not every word. There is one that slipeth with the tongue, but not from his heart. Who is there that hath not offended with his tongue? Admonish thy neighbor before thou threaten him, and give place to the fear of the most high, for the fear of God is all wisdom, and therein is to fear God, and the disposition of the law is in all wisdom. But the learning of wickedness is not wisdom, and the device of sinners is not prudence. There is a subtle wickedness, and the same is detestable, and there is a man that is foolish wanting in wisdom. Better is a man that hath less wisdom and wanteth understanding with the fear of God than he that aboundeth in understanding and turneth hath the law of the most high. There is an exquisite subtlety, and the same is unjust, and there is one that uttereth an exact word telling the truth. There is one that humbleth himself wickedly, and his interior is full of deceit. And there is one that submiteth himself exceedingly to great lowliness, and there is one that casteth down his countenance, and maketh as if he did not see that which is unknown. And if he be hindered from sinning for want of power, if he shall find opportunity to do evil, he will do it. A man is known by his look, and a wise man, when thou meetest him, is known by his countenance. The attire of his body and the laughter of his teeth and the gate of the man show what he is. There is a lying rebuke in the anger of an injurious man, and there is a judgment that is not allowed to be good. And there is one that holdeth his peace, he is wise. Chapter 20 How much better is it to reprove than to be angry and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer? The lust of an eunuch shall devour a young maiden, so is he that by violence executeeth unjust judgment. How good is it, when thou art reproved, to show repentance, for so thou shall escape willful sin? There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise, and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech. There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say, and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time. A wise man will hold his peace till he sees opportunity, but a babbler and a fool will regard no time. He that useeth many words shall hurt his own soul, and he that taketh authority to himself unjustly shall be hated. There is success in evil things to a man without discipline, and there is a finding that turneth to loss. There is a gift that is not profitable, and there is a gift the recompense of which is double. There is an abasement because of glory, and there is one that shall lift up his head from a low estate. There is that buyeth much for a small price and restore it the same sevenfold. A man wise in words shall make himself beloved, but the graces of fools shall be poured out. The gift of the fool shall do thee no good, for his eyes are sevenfold.  Today a man lendeth, and tomorrow he asketh it again. Such a man as this is hateful. A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his good deeds. For they that eat his bread are of a false tongue. How often and how many will laugh him to scorn. For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had. And like manner also that which was not to be had. The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falleth on the pavement. So the fall of the wicked shall come speedily. A man without grace is as a vain fable. It shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise. A parable coming out of a fool's mouth shall be rejected, for he doth not speak it in due season. There is that is hindered from sitting through want, and in his rest he shall be pricked.  There is that for bashfulness promised to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing. A lie is a foul blot in a man, and yet it will be continually in the mouth of men without discipline. A thief is better than a man that is always lying, but both of them shall inherit destruction. The manners of lying men are without honor, and their confusion is with them without ceasing. A wise man shall advance himself with his words, and a prudent man shall please the great ones. He that telleth his land shall make a high heap of corn, and he that worketh justice shall be exalted, and he that pleaseth great men shall escape iniquity.  A wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is not seen. What profit is there in them both? Better is he that hideeth his folly, than the man that hideeth his wisdom. End of chapters 16 through 20. Chapters 21 through 25 of Ecclesiasticus Dewey Rheem's Version The sleeper box recording is in the public domain. Chapter 21 My son, hast thou sinned? Do so no more, but for their former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee. Leave from sins as from the face of a serpent, for if thou comest near to them, they will take hold of thee. The teeth thereof are the teeth of a lion, killing the souls of men. All iniquity is like a two-edged sword. There is no remedy for the wound thereof. Injuries and wrongs will waste riches, and the house that is very rich shall be brought to nothing by pride. So the substance of the proud shall be rooted out. The prayer out of the mouth of the poor shall reach the years of God, and judgment shall come for him speedily. He that hateeth to be reproved, walketh in the trace of a sinner, and he that feareth God will turn to his own heart. He that is mighty by a bold tongue is known afar off, but a wise man knoweth to slip by him. He that buildeth his house at another man's charge is as he that gathereth himself stones to build in the winter. The congregation of sinners is like tow heaped together, and the end of them is a flame of fire.  He that keepeth justice shall get the understanding thereof. The perfection of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding. He that is not wise and good will not be taught. But there is a wisdom that aboundeth in evil, and there is no understanding where there is bitterness. The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood, and his counsel continuous like a fountain of water. The heart of a fool is like a broken vessel, and no wisdom at all shall it hold. A man of sense will praise every wise word he shall hear, and will apply it to himself. The luxurious man hath heard it, and it shall displease him, and he will cast it behind his back. The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way, but in the lips of the wise grace shall be found. The mouth of the prudent is sought after in the church, and they will think upon his words in their hearts. As a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool, and the knowledge of the unwise is as words without sense. Doctrine to a fool is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand. A fool lifteth up his voice and laughter, but a wise man will scarce laugh low to himself. Learning to the prudent is as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm. The foot of a fool is soon in his neighbor's house, but a man of experience will be abashed at the person of the mighty. A fool will peep through the window into the house, but he that is well-taught will stand without. It is the folly of a man to hearken at the door, and a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace. The lips of the unwise will be telling foolish things, but the words of the wise shall be weighted in a balance. The heart of fools is in their mouth, and the mouth of wise men is in their heart. While the ungodly curses the devil, he curses his own soul. The tale-bearer shall defile his own soul, and shall be hated by all, and he shall abide with him, shall be hateful. The silent and wise man shall be honored. Chapter 22 The sluggard is pelted with a dirty stone, and all men will speak of his disgrace. The sluggard is pelted with the dung of oxen, and everyone that touches him will shake his hands. A son ill-taught is the confusion of the father, and a foolish daughter shall be to his loss. A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband, but she that confoundeth becomeeth a disgrace to her father. She that is bold shameeth both her father and husband, and will not be inferior to the ungodly, and shall be disgraced by them both. A tale out of time is like music in mourning, but the stripes and instruction of wisdom are never out of time. He that teacheth the fool is like one that glueeth a potchard together. He that telleth a word to him that heareth not is like one that wakeeth a man out of a deep sleep.  And in the end of the discourse he saith, Who is this? Weep for the dead, for his light hath failed, and weep for the fool for his understanding faileth. Weep but a little for the dead, for he is at rest.   Talk not much with a fool, and go not with him, that hath no sense. Keep thyself from him, that thou mayst not have trouble, and thou shall not be defiled with his sin. Turn away from him, and thou shall find rest, and shall not be wearied out with his folly. What is heavier than lead? And what other name hath he but a fool? Sand and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear than a man without sense. That is both foolish and wicked. A frame of wood bound together in the foundation of a building shall not be loosed, so neither shall the heart that is established by advised counsel. The thought of him that is wise at all times shall not be depraved by fear. As pails set in high places in plasterings made without cost, we will not stand against the face of the wind. So also a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool shall not resist against the violence of fear. As a fearful heart in the thought of a fool at all times will not fear, so neither shall he that continueeth always in the commandments of God. He that pricketh the eye bringeth out tears, and he that pricketh the heart bringeth forth resentment. He that flingeth a stone at birds shall drive them away, so that he uprighteth his friend, breaketh friendship. Although thou hast drawn a sword at a friend, despair not, for there may be a returning to a friend. If thou hast opened a sad mouth, fear not, for there may be a reconciliation, except by upgrading and reproach and pride, and disclosing of secrets or treacherous wound, for in all these cases a friend will flee away. Keep fidelity with a friend in his poverty, that in his prosperity also thou mayest rejoice. In the time of his trouble continue faithful to him, that thou mayest also be heir with him in his inheritance. As the vapor of a chimney and the smoke of a fire goeth up before the fire, so also injurious words and reproaches and threats before blood. I will not be ashamed to salute a friend, neither will I hide myself from his face, and if any evil happen to me by him, I will bear it. But everyone that shall hear it will beware of him.  Chapter 23 O Lord, Father, and sovereign ruler of my life, leave me not to their counsel, nor suffer me to fall by them. Who will set scourges over my thoughts and the discipline of wisdom over my heart, that they spare me not in their ignorances, and that their sins may not appear? Thus my ignorances increase, and my offenses be multiplied, and my sins abound, and I fall before my adversaries, and my enemy rejoice over me. O Lord, Father, and God of my life, leave me not to their devices. Give me not haughtiness of my eyes, and turn away from me all coveting. Take from me the greediness of the belly, and let not the lusts of the flesh take hold of me. And give me not over to a shameless and foolish mind. Hear, O ye children, this discipline of the mouth, and he will keep it shall not perish by his lips, nor be brought to fall into most wicked works.  Let not thy mouth be accustomed to swearing, for in it there are many falls. And let not the naming of God be unusual in thy mouth, and meddle not with the names of the saints, for thou shalt not escape free from them. For as a slave, daily put to the question, is never without a blue mark, so everyone that sweareth and nameth shall not be wholly pure from sin. A man that sweareth much shall be filled with iniquity, and his scourge shall not depart from his house. And if he make it void, his sin shall be upon him. And if he dissemble it, he offendeth double. And if he swear in vain, it shall not be justified, for his house shall be filled with his punishment. There is also speech opposite to death. Let it not be found in the inheritance of Jacob. For the merciful all things shall be taken away, and they shall not wallow in sins. Let not thy mouth be accustomed to indiscreet speech, for therein is the word of sin. Remember thy father and thy mother, for thou sittest in the midst of great men. Lest God forget thee in their sight, and now, by thy daily custom, be infatuated in sufferer approach, and wish that thou hadst not been born, and curse the day of thine intivity. A man that is accustomed to approprious words will never be corrected all the days of his life. Two sorts of men multiply sins, and the third bringeth wrath and destruction. A hot soul is a burning fire. It will never be quenched to let devour something.  To a man that is a fornicator all bread is sweet. He will not be wary of sinning unto the end. Every man that patheth beyond his own bed, despising his own soul, and saying, Who seeth me? Darkness competh me about, and the walls cover me, and no man seeth me. Whom do I fear? The most high will not remember my sins.  For such a man's fear driveeth him from the fear of God, and the eyes of men fearing him. And he knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are far better than the sun, beholding round abouts all the ways of men, and the bottom of the deep, and looking into the hearts of men, into the most hidden parts. For all things were known to the Lord God before they were created. So also, after they were perfected, he beholdeth all things. This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and he shall be chased as a cult. And where he suspected not, he shall be taken. And he shall be disgraced with all men, because he understood not the fear of the Lord. So every woman also that leaveeth her husband, and bringeth in an air by another. For first, she hath been unfaithful to the law of the most high. And secondly, she hath offended against her husband. Thirdly, she hath fornicated in adultery, and hath gotten her children of another man. And thirdly, she brought into the assembly. An inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her infamy shall be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of God, and that there is nothing sweeter than to have regard to the commandments of God. It is a great glory to follow the Lord. For length of days shall be received from him. Chapter 24 Wisdom shall praise her own self, and shall be honored in God, and shall glory in the midst of her people, and shall open her mouth in the churches of the most high, and shall glorify herself in the sight of his power, and in the midst of her own people she shall be exalted, and in the multitude of the elect she shall have praise, and among the blessed she shall be blessed, saying, I came out of the mouth of the most high, the first born before all creatures. I made that in the heavens, there should rise light that never faileth, and as a cloud I cover all the earth. I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in a pillar of a cloud. I alone have compassed the circuit of heaven, and have penetrated into the bottom of the deep, and have walked in the waves of the sea. I have stood in all the earth, and in every people, and in every nation I have had the chief rule, and by my power I have trodden under my feet the hearts of all the high and low, and in all these I sought rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things commanded and said to me, and he that made me rested in my tabernacle, and he said to me, let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in Israel, and take root in my elect. From the beginning and before the world was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him, and so was I established in Zion, and in the holy city likewise I rested. My power was in Jerusalem, and I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. I was exalted like a cedar in libanus, and as a cypress tree on Mount Zion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plain tree by the water in the streets was I exalted.  I yielded a sweet odor like the best myrrh, and I perfumed my dwelling as storax, in galbanum, and onyx, and aloes, and as the frankincense not cut, and my odor is as the purest balm, and I have stretched out my branches to the turpentine tree, and my branches are of honor and grace. As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth. In me is all hope of life in virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey in the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. Eat me, shall yet hunger, and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. Ye that harkeneth to me shall not be confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting. All these things are in the book of life, and the covenant of the Most High, and the knowledge of truth. Moses commanded a law in the precepts of justice, and an inheritance to the house of Jacob, and the promises to Israel. He appointed to David his servant to raise up of him a most mighty king and sitting on the throne of glory forever, who filleth up wisdom as the Faison, and the Tigris in the days of the new fruits, who maketh understanding to abound as the Euphrates, who multiplyeth it as the Jordan in the time of harvest, who sendeth knowledge as the light, and riseeth up as Gihan in the time of the vintage, who first hath perfect knowledge of her, and a weaker shall not search her out. For her thoughts are more vast than the sea, and her counsel is more deep than the great ocean. I wisdom have poured out rivers, I like a brook out of a river, of a mighty water, I like a channel of a river, and like an aqueduct came out of paradise. I said, I will water at my garden of plants, I will water abundantly the fruits of my meadow. And behold, my brook became a great river, and my river came near to a sea. For I make doctrine to shine forth to all as the morning lights, and I will declare it afar off, I will penetrate to all the lower parts of the earth, and will behold all that sleep, and will enlighten all that hope in the Lord. I will yet pour out doctrine as I see, and will leave it to them that seek wisdom, and will not cease to instruct their offspring even to the holy age. See that I have not labored myself only, but for all that seek out the truth. Chapter 25 With three things my spirit is pleased, which are approved before God and men, the concord of brethren, and the love of neighbors, and man and wife who all together.  O how comely is judgment for a grey head, and for ancients to know counsel? O how comely is wisdom for the aged, an understanding and counsel to men of honor? Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory. Nine things that are not to be imagined by the heart have I magnified, and the tenth I will utter to men with my tongue, a man that hath joy of his children, and he that liveth and seeeth the fall of his enemies. Blessed is he that dwelleth with a wise woman, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served such as are unworthy of him. Blessed is he that findeth a true friend, and that declareeth justice to an ear that heareth. How great is he that findeth wisdom and knowledge, but there is none above him that feareth the Lord. The fear of God hath set itself above all things. Blessed is the man to whom it is given to have the fear of God, he that holdeth it, to whom shall he be likened. The fear of God is the beginning of his love, and the beginning of faith is to be fast joined unto it. The sadness of the heart is every plague, and the wickedness of a woman is all evil, and a man will choose any plague but the plague of the heart, and any wickedness but the wickedness of a woman, and any affliction but the affliction from them that hate the revenge but the revenge of enemies. There is no head worse than the head of a serpent, and there is no anger above the anger of a woman. It will be more agreeable to abide with a lion and a dragon, and to dwell with a wicked woman. The wickedness of a woman changes at her face, and she darkens at her countenance as a bear, and showeth it like a sackcloth in the midst of her neighbors. Her husband groaned, and hearing the sound of her call, and she said, all malice is short to the malice of a woman. Let the lot of sinners fall upon her. As the climbing of a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of tongue to a quiet man. Look not upon a woman's beauty, and desire not a woman for beauty. A woman's anger and impudence and confusion is great. A woman, if she have superiority abated the courage and make of the heavy countenance and a wounded heart, feeble hands and disjointed knees. A woman that doth not make her husband happy. From the woman came the beginning of sin, and by her we all die. Give no issue to thy water, no, not a little, nor to a wicked woman liberty to gath abroad. If she walk not at thy hand, she will confound thee in the sight of thy enemies. Cut her off from thy flesh, lest she always abuse thee. End of chapters 21 through 25 Chapters 26 through 30 of Ecclesiasticus, Dewey Ream's version. The sleepervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 26 Happy is the husband of a good wife, for the number of his years is double.  A good wife is a good portion. She shall be given in the portion of them that fear God, to a man for his good deeds. Rich or poor, if his heart is good, his countenance shall be cheerful at all times. Of three things my heart hath been afraid, and at the fourth my face hath trembled. The accusation of a city and the gathering together of the people. And a false column me are all more grievous than death. A jealous woman is the grief and mourning of the heart. But the jealous woman is a scourge of the tongue which communicates with all. As a yoke of oxen that is moved to and fro, so also is a wicked woman. He that hath hold of her is as he that taketh hold of a scorpion. A drunken woman is a great wrath, and shame shall not be hid. The fornication of a woman shall be known by the haughtiness of her eyes and by her eyelids. On a daughter that turneth not away herself, set a strict watch, lest finding an opportunity she abuse herself. Take heed of the impudence of her eyes and wonder not if she sleight thee. She will open her mouth as a thirsty traveler to the fountain and will drink of every water near her and will sit down by every hedge and open her quiver against every arrow until she fail.  Her discipline is the gift of God. Such is a wise and silent woman. There is nothing so much worth as a well instructed soul. A holy and shamefast woman is grace upon grace, and no price is worthy of a continent soul. As the sun when it rises to the world in the high places of God, so is the beauty of a good wife for the ornament of her house. As a lamp shining upon the holy candlestick, so is the beauty of the face in a ripe age. As golden pillars upon bases of silver, so are the firm feet upon the souls of a steady woman. As everlasting foundations of a solid rock, so are the commandments of God in the heart of a holy woman. As two things my heart is grieved and a third bringeth anger upon me. A man of war fainting through poverty and a man of sense despised. And he that passeth over from justice to sin, God hath prepared such in one for the sword. Two sorts of callings have appeared to me hard and dangerous. Three from negligence and a huckster shall not be justified from the sins of the lips. Chapter 27 Through poverty many have sinned, and he that seeketh to be enriched turneth away his eye. As a stake sticketh fast in the midst of the joining of stones, so also in the midst of selling and buying sin shall stick fast. Sin shall be destroyed in the center unless thou hold thyself diligent in the fear of the Lord. Thy house shall quickly be overthrown as when one sifteth with a sev the dust will remain. So will the perplexity of a man in his thoughts. The furnished trieth the potter's vestal and the trial of affliction just men. As the dressing of a tree showeth the fruit thereof of man. Praise not a man before he speaketh for this is the trial of men. If thou followest justice thou shall obtain her and shall put her on as a long robe of honor and thou shall dwell with her and she shall protect thee forever. And in the day of acknowledgement thou shall find a strong foundation. Birds resort unto their like so truth will remain in them that practice her. The lion always lieth and wait for prey. So do sins for them that work in equities. The holy man continueeth in wisdom as the sun but a fool is changed as the moon. In the midst of the unwise keep in the word till its time but be continually among men that think. The discourse of sinners is hateful and their laughter is at the pleasures of sin. The speech that sweareth much shall make the hair of the head stand upright and its irreverence shall make one stop his ears. And the quarrels of the road is the shedding of blood and their cursing is a grievous hearing. E that discloseeth the secrets of a friend looseth his credit and shall never find a friend to his mind. Love thy neighbor discover his sins follow no more after him for as a man that destroyeth his friend so is he that destroyeth the friendship of his neighbor and as one that leteth a bird go out of his hand so hast thou let thy neighbor go and thou shall not get him again. Follow after him no more for he is gone afar off he is fled as a row escaped out of the snare surrounded thou canst no more bind him up and of a curse there is reconciliation. But to disclose the secrets of a friend leaveeth no hope to an unhappy soul he that winketh with the eye forgeteth wicked things and no man will cast him off but the sight of thy eyes he will sweeten his mouth and will admire thy words but at the last he will writhe his mouth and on thy words he will lay a stumbling block I have hated many things but not like him and the Lord will hate him if one cast a stone on high it will fall upon his own head and the deceitful stroke will wound the deceitful he that digeth a pit shall fall into it and he that seteth a stone for his neighbor shall stumble upon it and he that layeth a snare for another shall perish in it a mischievous counsel shall be rolled back upon the author shall know from whence it cometh to him mockery and reproach are of the proud and vengeance as a lion shall lie in wait for him they shall perish in a snare that are delighted with the fall of the just and sorrow shall consume them before they die anger and fury are both of them abominable and the sinful man shall be subject to them Chapter 28 he that seeketh to revenge himself shall find revenge from the Lord and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance forgive thy neighbor if he hath hurt thee and then shall thy sins be forgiven to thee when thou prayest man to man reserveeth anger and doth he seek remedy of God he hath no mercy on a man like himself and doth he entreat for his own sins he that is but flesh nourisheth anger and doth he ask forgiveness of God who shall obtain pardon for his sins remember thy last things and let enmity cease for corruption and death hang over in his commandments remember the fear of God and be not angry with thy neighbor remember the covenant of the most high and overlook the ignorance of thy neighbor refrain from strife and now shall diminish thy sins for a passionate man in kindleeth strife and a sinful man will trouble his friends and bring in debates in the midst of them that are at peace for as the wood of the forest is so the fire burneth and as a man's strength is so shall his anger be and according to his riches he shall increase his anger a hasty contention kindleeth a fire and a hasty quarrel shedeth blood and the tongue that bareth witness bringeth death if thou blow the spark it shall burn as a fire and if thou spit upon it it shall be quenched both come out of the mouth the whisperer and the double tongue is accursed for he hath troubled many that were at peace the tongue of a third person hath disquited many and scattered them from nation to nation and overthrown the houses of great men it hath cut in pieces the forces of people and undone strong nations the tongue of a third person hath cast out valiant women and deprived them of their labors ye that harkeneth to it shall never have rest neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose the stroke of a whip makeeth a blue mark but the stroke of the tongue many have fallen by the edge of the sword but not so many have perished by their own tongue blessed is he that is defended from a wicked tongue that hath not pressed into the wrath thereof and that hath not drawn the yoke thereof and hath not been bound in its bands for its yoke is a yoke of iron and its bands are bands of brass the death thereof is a most evil death preferable to it its countenance shall not be for a long time but it shall possess the ways of the unjust and the judge shall not be burnt with its flame they that forsake God shall fall into it and it shall burn in them and shall not be quenched and it shall be sent upon them as a lion and as a leopard it shall tear them hedge in thy ears with thorns hear not a wicked tongue but it shall be cast upon them with thorns and bars to thy mouth melt down thy gold and silver and make a balance for thy words and adjust brittle for thy mouth and take heed lest thou slip with thy tongue and fall in the sight of thy enemies who lie in wait for thee and thy fall be incurable unto death Chapter 29 he that showeth mercy lendeth to his neighbor with the commandments lend to thy neighbor in the time of his need and pay thou thy neighbor again in due time keep thy word and deal faithfully with him and thou shall always find that which is necessary for thee many have looked upon a thing lent as a thing found and have given trouble to them that help them till they receive and when they should repay they will ask time and will return tedious and murmuring words and will complain of the time and if he be able to pay he will stand off he will scarce pay one half and will count it as if he had found it but if not he will defraud him of his money and he shall get him for an enemy without cause and he will pay him with reproaches and honor and good turn will repay him injuries many have refused to lend not out of wickedness but they were afraid to be defrauded without cause but yet towards the poor be thou more hearty and delay not to show him mercy help the poor because of the commandment and send him not away empty-handed because of his poverty lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend and hide it not under a stone to be lost in the commandments of the Most High and it shall bring thee more profit than gold shut up alms in the heart of the poor and it shall obtain help for thee against all evil better than the shield of the mighty and better than the spear it shall fight for thee against thy enemy a good man is surety for his neighbor and he that has lost shame will leave him to himself forget not the kindness of thy surety for he hath given his life for thee the sinner and the unclean fleeeth from his surety a sinner attributed to himself the goods of his surety and he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him that delivered him a man is surety for his neighbor and when he hath lost all shame he shall forsake him evil surety ship hath undone many of good estate and hath tossed them as a wave of the sea it hath made powerful men to go from place to place round about and they have wandered in strange countries a sinner that transgresseth the commandment of the Lord shall fall into an evil surety ship and he that undertaketh many things shall fall into judgment recover thy neighbor according to thy power and take heed to thyself that thou fall not the chief thing for man's life is water and bread and clothing and a house to cover shame better is the poor man's fair under a roof of boards than some she was cheer abroad in another man's house be contented with little instead of much and thou shall not hear the reproach of going abroad it is a miserable life to go as a guest from house to house for where a man is a stranger he shall not deal confidently nor open his mouth he shall entertain and feed and give drink to the unthankful and moreover he shall hear bitter words go stranger and furnish the table and give others to eat what thou hast in thy hand give place to the honorable presence of my friends for I want my house my brother being to be lodged with me these things are grievous to a man of understanding the upgrading of house room and the reproaching of the lender chapter 30 that he may rejoice in his latter end and not grope after the doors of his neighbors he that instructeth his son shall be praised in him and shall glory in him in the midst of them of his household he that teacheth his son maketh his enemies jealous and in the midst of his friends he shall glory in him his father is dead and he is as if he were not dead for he hath left one behind that is like himself while he lived he saw and rejoiced in him and when he died he was not sorrowful neither was he confounded before his enemies for he left behind him a defender of his house against his enemies and one that will require kindness to his friends for the souls of his sons he shall bind up his wounds and at every cry his bowels shall be troubled a horse not broken become stubborn and a child left to himself will become headstrong give thy son his way and he shall make thee afraid play with him and he shall make thee sorrowful laugh not with him lest thou have sorrow and at the last thy teeth be set on edge give him not liberty in his youth bow down his neck while he is young and beat his sides while he is a child lest he grow stubborn and regard thee not and so be in sorrow of heart to thee instruct thy son and labor about him lest his lewd behavior be in offense to thee better is a poor man who is sound and strong of constitution than a rich man who is weak and afflicted with evils health of the soul justice is better than all gold and silver and a sound body than immense revenues there is no riches above the riches of the health of the body and there is no pleasure above the joy of the heart better is death than a bitter life and an everlasting rest than continual sickness good things that are hidden in a mouth that is shut are as messes of meat set about aggrave offering due to an idol for it can neither eat nor smell so is he that is persecuted by the Lord bearing the reward of his iniquity he seeeth with his eyes and groaneth as in eunuch embracing a virgin in sighing give not up thy soul to sadness and afflict not thyself in thine own counsels the joyfulness of the heart is the life of a man and a never failing treasure of holiness a man is length of life have pity on thy own soul pleasing God and contain thyself gather up thy heart in his holiness and drive away sadness far from thee for sadness hath killed many and there is no profit in it envy and anger shorten a man's days and pensiveness will bring old age before the time a cheerful and good heart is always feasting at the end of all religions end of chapters 26 through 30