ANDOVER-HARVARD LIBRARY
AH SIXQ N
Harvard Depository
Brittle Book
THE WISDOM
OF
JESUS
THE SON OF SIRACH
491
Eng.
1999
WISDOM Series


491
Harvard Divinity School

VERI
ANDOVER-HARVARD THEOLOGICAL
LIBRARY
MDCCCCx
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
Gift of
Widener Library








WISDOM SERIES.
Selections from the Thoughts of Marcus
Aurelius Antoninus.
Selections from the " Imitation of Christ,"
by Thomas à Kempis.
Sunshine in the Soul. Poems selected
by the editor of “ Quiet Hours.”
Selections from Epictetus.
The Life and Sermons of the Reverend
Doctor John Tauir.
The Wisdom of Solomon and other Selec-
tions from the Apocrypha.
The Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach ;
or, Ecclesiasticus.
Other volumes in preparation ; the series
edited by the editor of "Quiet Hours."
18mo, cloth, red edges. Price, 50 cents each.
edited
the editor
pris Quiet Hounting
ROBERTS BROTHERS, Publishers,
Boston.


Bilip ino
KIS
-Creed
THE WISDOM
OF
Jesus, the Son of Sirach ;
OR,
Ecclesiasticus.
ooocom
BOSTON:
Roberts Brothers.
1878.


ANDOVER-HARVARD
THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
H65.815
Yin,,,, .
Copyright, 1878,
By ROBERTS BROTHERS.
Cambridge:
Press of John Wilson & Son.


iv
Preface.
hopes of ever attaining life, that sentence fell
with weight upon my spirit: 'Look at the
generations of old, and see ; did ever any trust
in God and were confounded ?' at which I was
greatly enlightened and encouraged in my soul ;
for thus at that very instant it was expounded
to me: “Begin at the beginning of Genesis, and
read to the end of the Revelation, and see if
you can find that there was ever any that trusted
in the Lord and was confounded.' So coming
home, I presently went to my Bible, to see if I
could find that saying, not doubting but to find
it presently ; for it was so fresh, and with such
strength and comfort on my spirit, that it was as
if it talked with me. Well, I looked, but found
it not: only it abode upon me. Then did I ask
first this good man and then another, if they
knew where it was, but they knew no such place.
At this I wondered that such a sentence should
so suddenly, and with such comfort and strength,
seize and abide upon my heart ; and yet that none
could find it (for I doubted not but that it
was in the Holy Scriptures). Thus I continued
above a year, and could not find the place; but
at last, casting my eye upon the Apocryphal
books, I found it in Ecclesiasticus ii. 10. This
at the first did somewhat daunt me; but because
by this time I had got more experience of the
love and kindness of God, it troubled me the
less, especially when I considered that though





Ecclesiasticus.
learning and wisdom ; and whereof not only
the readers must needs become skilful them-
selves, but also they that desire to learn be
able to profit them which are without,' both
by speaking and writing ; my grandfather
Jesus, when he had much given himself to
the reading of the law, and the prophets,
and other books of our fathers, and had
gotten therein good judgment, was drawn
on also himself to write something pertain-
ing to learning and wisdom ; to the intent
that those which are desirous to learn, and
are addicted to these things, might profit
much more in living according to the law.
Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with
favour and attention, and to pardon us,
wherein we may seem to come short of some
words which we have laboured to interpret.
For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and
translated into another tongue, have not the
same force in them: and not only these
things, but the law itself, and the prophets,
and the rest of the books, have no small
difference, when they are spoken in their
own language. For in the eight and thir-
tieth year coming into Egypt, when Euer-
1 Or, of another nation.


Ecclesiasticus.
fountain of wisdom; and her ways are
everlasting commandments.
6 To whom hath the root of wisdom been
revealed ? or who hath known her wise
counsels ?
7 [Unto whom hath the knowledge of
wisdom been made manifest? and who hath
understood her great experience?]
8 There is one wise and greatly to be
feared, the Lord sitting upon his throne.
9 He created her, and saw her, and num-
bered her, and poured her out upon all his
works.
10 She is with all flesh according to his
gift, and he hath given her to them that
love him.
11 The fear of the Lord is honour, and
glory, and gladness, and a crown of re-
joicing.
12 The fear of the Lord maketh a merry
heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a
long life.
13 Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go
well with him at the last, and he shall find
favour" in the day of his death.
14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of
1 Or, shall be blessed.


Ecclesiasticus.
and afterward joy shall spring up unto
him.
24 He will hide his words for a time, and
the lips of many shall declare his wisdom.
25 The parables of knowledge are in the
treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an
abomination to a sinner.
26 If thou desire wisdom, keep the com-
mandments, and the Lord shall give her
unto thee.
27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom
and instruction : and faith and meekness
are his delight.
•28 Distrust not? the fear of the Lord
when thou art poor: and come not unto him
with a double heart.
29 Be not an hypocrite in the sight of
men, and take good heed what thou speakest.
30 Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and
bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God
discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in
the midst of the congregation, because thou
camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord,
but thy heart is full of deceit.
Or, be not disobedient to.


Ecclesiasticus.
CHAPTER II.
TY son, if thou come to serve the Lord,
l prepare thy soul for temptation.
2 Set thy heart aright, and constantly
endure, and make not haste in time of
trouble.
3 Cleave unto him, and depart not away,
that thou mayest be increased at thy last end.
4 Whatsoever is brought upon thee, take
cheerfully, and be patient when thou art
changed to a low estate.
5 For gold is tried in the fire, and accept-
able men in the furnace of adversity.
6 Believe in him, and he will help thee;
order thy way aright, and trust in him.
7 Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his
mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall.
8 Ye that fear the Lord, believe him ; and
your reward shall not fail.
9 Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good,
and for everlasting joy and mercy.
10 Look at the generations of old, and
see ; did ever any trust in the Lord, and
was confounded? or did any abide in his
* Or, trials.


Ecclesiasticus.
fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he
ever despise, that called upon him?
11 For the Lord is full of compassion
and mercy, long suffering, and very pitiful,
and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of
affliction.
12 Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint
hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways !
13 Woe unto him that is faint hearted!
for he believeth not; therefore shall he not
be defended.
14 Woe unto you that have lost patience!
and what will ye do when the Lord shall
visit you?
15 They that fear the Lord will not dis-
obey his word ; and they that love him will
keep his ways.
16 They that fear the Lord will seek that
which is well pleasing unto him ; and they
that love him shall be filled with the law.
17 They that fear the Lord will prepare
their hearts, and humble their souls in his
sight,
18 Saying, We will fall into the hands of
the Lord, and not into the hands of men :
for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.


10
Ecclesiasticus.
CHAPTER III.
LTEAR me your father, O children, and
11 do thereafter, that ye may be safe.
2 For the Lord hath given the father
honour over the children, and hath con-
firmed the authority of the mother over the
sons.
3 Whoso honoureth his father maketh an
atonement for his sins :
4 And he that honoureth his mother is as
one that layeth up treasure.
5 Whoso honoureth his father shall have
joy of his own children; and when he
maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.
6 He that honoureth his father shall have
a long life ; and he that is obedient unto the
Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.
7 He that feareth the Lord will honour
his father, and will do service unto his
parents, as to his masters.
8 Honour thy father and mother both in
word and deed, that a blessing may come
upon thee from them.
9 For the blessing of the father estab-
lisheth the houses of children ; but the


Ecclesiasticus.
curse of the mother rooteth out founda-
tions.
10 Glory not in the dishonour of thy
father; for thy father's dishonour is no
glory unto thee.
II For the glory of a man is from the
honour of his father; and a mother in dis-
honour is a reproach to the children.
12 My son, help thy father in his age,
and grieve him not as long as he liveth.
13 And if his understanding fail, have
patience with him; and despise him not
when thou art in thy full strength.
14 For the relieving of thy father shall
not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall
be added to build thee up.
15 In the day of thine affliction it shall
be remembered; thy sins also shall melt
away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.
16 He that forsaketh his father is as a
blasphemer; and he that angereth his
mother is cursed of God.
17 My son, go on with thy business in
meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him
that is approved.
18 The greater thou art, the more humble
thyself, and thou shalt find favour before
the Lord.


Ecclesiasticus.
13
28 In the punishment of the proud there
is no remedy,' for the plant of wickedness
hath taken root in him.
29 The heart of the prudent will under-
stand a parable; and an attentive ear is the
desire of a wise man.
30 Water will quench a flaming fire; and
alms maketh an atonement for sins.
31 And he that requiteth good turns is
mindful of that which may come hereafter ;
and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.
CHAPTER IV.
M y son, defraud not the poor of his
M living, and make not the needy eyes
to wait long.
2 Make not an hungry soul sorrowful ;
neither provoke a man in his distress.
3 Add not more trouble to an heart that is
vexed ; and defer not to give to him that is
in need.
4 Reject not the supplication of the af-
Alicted ; neither turn away thy face from a
poor man.
1 Or, the proud man is not healed by his punishment.


14
Ecclesiasticus.
5 Turn not away thine eye from the
needy,' and give him none occasion to curse
thee:
6 For if he curse thee in the bitterness
of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of him
that made him.
7 Get thyself the love of the congrega-
tion, and bow thy head to a great man.
8 Let it not grieve thee to bow down
thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly
answer with meekness.
9 Deliver him that suffereth wrong from
the hand of the oppressor : and be not
faint hearted when thou sittest in judgment.
10 Be as a father unto the fatherless, and
instead of an husband unto their mother :
so shalt thou be as a son of the Most High,
and he shall love thee more than thy mother
doth.
11 Wisdom exalteth her children, and
layeth hold of them that seek her.
12 He that loveth her loveth life; and they
that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.
13 He that holdeth her fast shall inherit
glory; and wheresoever she entereth, the
Lord will bless.
Or, him that asketh.


16
· Ecclesiasticus.
23 And refrain not to speak, when there
is occasion to do good, and hide not thy
wisdom in her beauty.
24 For by speech wisdom shall be known:
and learning by the word of the tongue.
25 In no wise speak against the truth;
but be abashed of the error of thine igno-
rance.
26 Be not ashamed to confess thy sins;
and force not the course of the river.
27 Make not thyself an underling to a
foolish man ; neither accept the person of
the mighty.
28 Strive for the truth unto death, and
the Lord shall fight for thee.
29 Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy
deeds slack and remiss.
30 Be not as a lion in thy house, nor
frantic among thy servants.
31 Let not thine hand be stretched out
to receive, and shut when thou shouldest
repay.?
Or, strive not against the stream. ? Or, givc.


Ecclesiasticus.
17.
CHAPTER V.
CET not thy heart upon thy goods ; •and
say not, I have enough for my life.
2 Follow not thine own mind and thy
strength, to walk in the ways of thine heart :
3 And say not, Who shall control me for
my works ? for the Lord will surely revenge
thy pride.
4 Say not, I have sinned, and what harm
hath happened unto me? for the Lord is
long suffering, he will in no wise let thee go.
5 Concerning propitiation, be not without
fear to add sin unto sin :
6 And say not, His mercy is great; he
will be pacified for the multitude of my sins :
for mercy and wrath come from him, and
his indignation resteth upon sinners.
7 Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord,
and put not off from day to day: for sudden-
ly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and
in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and
perish in the day of vengeance.
8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly
gotten : for they shall not profit thee in the
day of calamity.


Ecclesiasticus.
19
2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine
own heart; that thy soul be not torn in
pieces as a bull (straying alone].
3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose
thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that
hath it, and shall make him to be laughed
to scorn of his enemies.
5 Sweet language will multiply friends :
and a fair speaking tongue will increase
kind greetings.
6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless
have but one counsellor of a thousand.
7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove
him first, and be not hasty to credit him.
8 For some man is a friend for his own
occasion, and will not abide in the day of
thy trouble.
9 And there is a friend, who being turned
to enmity and strife will discover thy re-
proach.
10 Again, some friend is a companion at
the table, and will not continue in the day
of thy affliction.
11 But in thy prosperity he will be as
thyself, and will be bold over thy ser-
vants.


20
Ecclesiasticus.
12 If thou be brought low, he will be
against thee, and will hide himself from thy
face.
13 Separate thyself from thine enemies,
and take heed of thy friends.
14 A faithful friend is a strong defence :
and he that hath found such an one hath
found a treasure.
15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful
friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
16 A faithful friend is the medicine of
life; and they that fear the Lord shall find
him.
17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct
his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall
his neighbour be also.
18 My son, gather instruction from thy
youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till
thine old age.
· 19 Come unto her as one that plougheth
and soweth, and wait for her good fruits :
for thou shalt not toil much in labouring
about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits
right soon.
20 She is very unpleasant to the un-
learned: he that is without understanding
will not remain with her.


Ecclesiasticus.
21
21 She will lie upon him as a mighty
stone of trial; and he will cast her from
him ere it be long. .
22 For wisdom is according to her name,
and she is not manifest unto many.
23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice,
and refuse not my counsel,
24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and
thy neck into her chain.
25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her,
and be not grieved with her bonds.
26 Come unto her with thy whole heart,
and keep her ways with all thy power.
27 Search, and seek, and she shall be
made known unto thee: and when thou
hast got hold of her, let her not go.
28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest,
and that shall be turned to thy joy.
29 Then shall her fetters be a strong de-
fence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
30 For there is a golden ornament upon
her, and her bands are purple lace.
31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of
honour, and shalt put her about thee as a
crown of joy.
32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be
| The Hebrew word for “wisdom” signifies hidden.


22
Ecclesiasticus.
taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind,
thou shalt be prudent.
33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive
understanding: and if thou bow thine ear,
thou shalt be wise.
34 Stand in the multitude of the elders ;
and cleave unto him that is wise.
35 Be willing to hear every godly dis-
course ; and let not the parables of under-
standing escape thee.
36 And if thou seest a man of under-
standing, get thee betimes unto him, and
let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances
of the Lord, and meditate continually in his
commandments: he shall establish thine
heart, and give thee wisdom at thine own
desire.
CHAPTER VII.
O no evil, so shall no harm come unto
thee.
2 Depart from the unjust, and iniquity
shall turn away from thee.
3 My son, sow not upon the furrows of
unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap
them seven fold.


Ecclesiasticus.
23
4 Seek not of the Lord pre-eminence,
neither of the king the seat of honour.
5 Justify not thyself before the Lord; and
boast not of thy wisdom before the king.
6 Seek not to be judge, being not able to
take away iniquity ; lest at any time thou
fear the person of the mighty, and lay a
stumbling block in the way of thy upright-
ness.
7 Offend not against the multitude of a
city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself
down among the people.
8 Bind not one sin upon another ; for in
one thou shalt not be unpunished.
9 Say not, God will look upon the multi-
tude of my oblations, and when I offer to
the most high God, he will accept it.
10 Be not faint hearted when thou makest
thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
II Laugh no man to scorn in the bitter-
ness of his soul : for there is one which
humbleth and exalteth.
12 Devise not a lie against thy brother ;
neither do the like to thy friend.
13 Use not to make any manner of lie:
for the custom thereof is not good.
14 Use not many words in a multitude of


24
Ecclesiasticus.
elders, and make not much babbling? when
thou prayest.
15 Hate not laborious work, neither hus-
bandry, which the Most High hath ordained.
16 Number not thyself among the multi-
tude of sinners, but remember that wrath
will not tarry long.
17 Humble thy soul greatly: for the ven-
geance of the ungodly is fire and worms.
18 Change not a friend for any good by
no means; neither a faithful brother for the
gold of Ophir.
19 Forego not a wise and good woman :
for her grace is above gold.
20 Whereas thy servant worketh truly,
entreat him not evil, nor the hireling that
bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
21 Let thy soul love a good servant, and
defraud him not of liberty.
22 Hast thou cattle? have an eye to
them: and if they be for thy profit, keep
them with thee.
23 Hast thou children ? instruct them, and
bow down their neck from their youth.
24 Hast thou daughters ? have a care of
their body, and shew not thyself cheerful
toward them.
I Or, vain repetition.


26
Ecclesiasticus.
35 Be not slow to visit the sick : for that
shall make thee to be beloved.
36 Whatsoever thou takest in hand, re-
member the end, and thou shalt never do
amiss.
CHAPTER VIII.
CTRIVE not with a mighty man, lest thou
w fall into bis hands.
2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest
he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed
many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
3 Strive not with a man that is full of
tongue,' and heap not wood upon his fire.
4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy an-
cestors be disgraced.
5 Reproach not a man that turneth from
sin, but remember that we are all worthy of
punishment.
6 Dishonour not a man in his old age :
for even some of us wax old.
7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy
being dead, but remember that we die all.
8 Despise not the discourse of the wise,
but acquaint thyself with their proverbs : for
1 Or, of an evil tongue.


Ecclesiasticus.
- 29
8 Turn away thine eye from a beautiful
woman, and look not upon another's beauty;
for many have been deceived by the beauty
of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as
a fire.
9 Sit not at all with another man's wife,
nor sit down with her in thine arms, and
spend not thy money with her at the wine;
lest thine heart incline unto her, and so
through thy desire thou fall into destruc-
tion.
10 Forsake not an old friend; for the
new is not comparable to him: a new friend
is as new wine ; when it is old, thou shalt
drink it with pleasure.
11 Envy not the glory of a sinner: for
thou knowest not what shall be his end.
12 Delight not in the thing that the un-
godly have pleasure in : but remember they
shall not go unpunished unto their grave.
13 Keep thee far from the man that hath
power to kill; so shalt thou not doubt the
fear of death : and if thou come unto him,
make no fault, lest he take away thy life
presently : remember that thou goest in the
midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon
the battlements of the city.


30
Ecclesiasticus.
14 As near as thou canst, guess at thy
neighbour, and consult with the wise...
15 Let thy talk be with the wise, and all
thy communication in the law of the Most
High.
16 And let just men eat and drink with
thee; and let thy glorying be in the fear of
the Lord.
17 For the hand of the artificer the work
shall be commended: and the wise ruler of
the people for his speech.
18 A man of an ill tongue is dangerous
in his city; and he that is rash in his talk
shall be hated.
CHAPTER X.
A WISE judge will instruct his people ;
H and the government of a prudent
man is well ordered.
2 As the judge of the people is himself,
so are his officers; and what manner of
man the ruler of the city is, such are all
they that dwell therein.
3 An unwise king destroyeth his people ;
but through the prudence of them which
are in authority the city shall be inhabited.


32
Ecclesiasticus.
13 For pride is the beginning of sin, and
he that hath it shall pour out abomination :
and therefore the Lord brought upon them
strange calamities, and overthrew them
utterly.
14 The Lord hath cast down the thrones
of proud princes, and set up the meek in
their stead.
15 The Lord hath plucked up the roots
of the proud nations, and planted the lowly
in their place.
16 The Lord overthrew countries of the
heathen, and destroyed them to the founda-
tions of the earth.
17 He took some of them away, and de-
stroyed them, and hath made their memorial
to cease from the earth.
18 Pride was not made for men, nor furi-
ous anger for them that are born of a woman.
19 They that fear the Lord are a sure
seed, and they that love him an honourable
plant: they that regard not the law are a
dishonourable seed; they that transgress the
commandments are a deceivable seed.
20 Among brethren he that is chief is
honourable ; so are they that fear the Lord
in his eyes.
? Or, unstable generation.


Ecclesiasticus.
33
21 The fear of the Lord goeth before the
obtaining of authority: but roughness and
pride is the losing thereof.
22 Whether he be rich, noble, or poor,
their glory is the fear of the Lord.
23 It is not meet to despise the poor man
that hath understanding ; neither is it con-
venient to magnify a sinful man.
24 Great men, and judges, and potentates,
shall be honoured ; yet is there none of them
greater than he that feareth the Lord.
25 Unto the servant that is wise shall
they that are free do service: and he that
hath knowledge will not grudge when he is
reformed.
26 Be not overwise in doing thy business ;
and boast not thyself in the time of thy dis-
tress.
27 Better is he that laboureth and abound-
eth in all things, than he that boasteth him-
self, and wanteth bread.
28 My son, glorify thy soul in meekness,
and give it honour according to the dignity
thereof.
29 Who will justify him that sinneth
against his own soul? and who will honour
him that dishonoureth his own life?


34
Ecclesiasticus.
30 The poor man is honoured for his
skill, and the rich man is honoured for his
riches.
31 He that is honoured in poverty, how
much more in riches ? and he that is dis-
honourable in riches, how much more in
poverty.
CHAPTER XI.
TISDOM lifteth up the head of him
V that is of low degree, and maketh him
to sit among great men.
2 Commend not a man for his beauty,
neither abhor a man for his outward ap-
pearance.
3 The bee is little among such as fly; but
her fruit is the chief of sweet things.
4 Boast not of thy clothing and raiment,
and exalt not thyself in the day of honour:
for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and
his works among men are hidden.
5 Many kings have sat down upon the
ground; and one that was never thought of
hath worn the crown.
6 Many mighty men have been greatly


Ecclesiasticus.
37
23 Say not, what profit is there of my
service ? and what good things shall I have
hereafter ?
24 Again say not, I have enough, and
possess many things, and what evil can
come to me hereafter ?
25 In the day of prosperity there is a
forgetfulness of affliction : and in the day
of affliction there is no more remembrance
of prosperity.
26 For it is an easy thing unto the Lord
in the day of death to reward a man ac-
cording to his ways.
27 The affliction of an hour maketh a
man forget pleasure: and in his end his
deeds shall be discovered.
28 Judge none blessed before his death :
for a man shall be known in his children.
29 Bring not every man into thine house:
for the deceitful man hath many trains.
30 Like as a partridge taken [and kept]
in a cage, so is the heart of the proud ; and
like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall :
31 For he lieth in wait, and turneth good
into evil, and in things worthy praise will
lay blame upon thee.
32 Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is


Ecclesiasticus.
39
shalt receive twice as much evil for all the
good thou shalt have done unto him.
6 For the Most High hateth sinners, and
will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and
keepeth them against the mighty day of
their punishment.
7 Give unto the good, and help not the
sinner.
8 A friend cannot be known in prosper-
ity: and an enemy cannot be hid in adversity.
9 In the prosperity of a man, enemies
will be grieved: but in his adversity, even a
friend will depart.
10 Never trust thine enemy: for like as
iron rusteth, so is his wickedness.
II Though he humble himself, and go
crouching, yet take good heed and beware
of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if
thou hadst wiped a looking glass, and thou
shalt know that his rust hath not been
altogether wiped away.
12 Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath
overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place;
neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he
seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last
remember my words and be pricked there-
with.


40
Ecclesiasticus.
13 Who will pity the charmer that is bitten
with a serpent, or any such as come nigh
wild beasts?
14 So one that goeth to a sinner, and is
defiled with him in his sins, who will pity ?
15 For a while he will abide with thee,
but if thou begin to fall, he will not tarry.
16 An enemy speaketh sweetly with his
lips, but in his heart he imagineth how to
throw thee into a pit : he will weep with his
eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not
be satisfied with blood.
17 If adversity come upon thee, thou
shalt find him there first; and though he
pretend to help thee, yet shall he under-
mine thee.
18 He will shake his head, and clap his
hands, and whisper much, and change his
countenance.
CHAPTER XIII.
L E that toucheth pitch shall be defiled
11 therewith ; and he that hath fellow-
ship with a proud man shall be like unto
him.


Ecclesiasticus.
2 Burden not thyself above thy power
while thou livest; and have no fellowship
with one that is mightier and richer than
thyself : for how agree the kettle and the
earthen pot together? for if the one be
smitten against the other, it shall be broken.
3 The rich man hath done wrong, and
yet he threateneth withal: the poor is
wronged, and he must intreat also.
4 If thou be for his profit, he will use
thee: but if thou have nothing, he will for-
sake thee.
5 If thou have any thing, he will live with
thee: yea, he will make thee bare, and will
not be sorry for it.
6. If he have need of thee, he will deceive
thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in
hope ; he will speak thee fair, and say,
What wantest thou ?
7 And he will shame thee by his meats,
until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice,
and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn :
afterward, when he seeth thee, he will for-
sake thee, and shake his head at thee.
8 Beware that thou be not deceived, and
brought down in thy jollity.
Or, by thy simplicity.


42
Ecclesiasticus.
9 If thou be invited of a mighty man,
withdraw thyself, and so much the more will
he invite thee..
10 Press thou not upon him, lest thou be
put back; stand not far off, lest thou be
forgotten.
II Affect not to be made equal unto him
in talk, and believe not his many words : for
with much communication will he tempt
thee, and smiling upon thee will get out thy
secrets :
12 But cruelly he will lay up thy words,
and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to
put thee in prison.
13 Observe, and take good heed, for thou
walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when
thou hearest these things, awake in thy
sleep.
14 Love the Lord all thy life, and call
upon him for thy salvation.
15 Every beast loveth his like, and every
man loveth his neighbour.
16 All flesh consorteth according to kind,
and a man will cleave to his like.
17 What fellowship hath the wolf with the
lamb ? so the sinner with the godly.
18 What agreement is there between the


44
Ecclesiasticus.
26 A cheerful countenance is a token of
a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding
out of parables is a wearisome labour of the
mind.
CHAPTER XIV.
PLESSED is the man that hath not
D slipped with his mouth, and is not
pricked with the multitude of sins.
2 Blessed is he whose conscience hath
not condemned him, and who is not fallen
from his hope in the Lord.
3 Riches are not comely for a niggard :
and what should an envious man do with
money ?
4 He that gathereth by defrauding his
own soul gathereth for others, that shall
spend his goods riotously.
5 He that is evil to himself, to whom will
he be good ? he shall not take pleasure in
his goods.
6 There is none worse than he that en-
vieth 1 himself; and this is a recompense of
his wickedness.
i Or, pinches.


Ecclesiasticus.
45
7 And if he doeth good, he doeth it un-
willingly; and at the last he will declare his
wickedness.
8 The envious man hath a wicked eye;
he turneth away his face, and despiseth
men.
9 A covetous man's eye is not satisfied
with his portion; and the iniquity of the
wicked drieth up his soul.
10 A wicked eye envieth [his] bread, and
he is a niggard at his table.
1.1 My son, according to thy ability do
good to thyself, and give the Lord his due
offering.
12 Remember that death will not be long
in coming, and that the covenant of the
grave is not shewed unto thee.
13 Do good unto thy friend before thou
die, and according to thy ability stretch out
thy hand and give to him.
14 Defraud not thyself of the good day,
and let not the part of a good desire over-
pass thee.
15 Shalt thou not leave thy travails 2 unto
another? and thy labours to be divided by
lot?
Or, the festive day. 2 Or, earnings.


46
Ecclesiasticus.
16 Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul;
for there is no seeking of dainties in the
grave.
17 All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for
the covenant from the beginning is, Thou
shalt die the death.
18 As of the green leaves on a thick tree,
some fall, and some grow; so is the genera-
tion of flesh and blood, one cometh to an
end, and another is born.
19 Every work rotteth and consumeth
away, and the worker thereof shall go withal.
20 Blessed is the man that doth meditate
good things in wisdom, and that reasoneth
of holy things by his understanding.
21 He that considereth her ways in his
heart shall also have understanding in her
secrets.
22 Go after her as one that traceth, and
lie in wait in her ways.
23 He that prieth in at her windows shall
also hearken at her doors.
24 He that doth lodge near her house
shall also fasten a pin in her walls.
25 He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her,
and shall lodge in a lodging where good
things are.


Ecclesiasticus.
47
26 He shall set his children under her
shelter, and shall lodge under her branches.
27 By her he shall be covered from heat,
and in her glory shall he dwel).
CHAPTER XV.
L E that feareth the Lord will do good ;
11 and he that hath the knowledge of
the law shall obtain her.
2 And as a mother shall she meet him,
and receive him as a wife married of a
virgin.
3 With the bread of understanding shall
she feed him, and give him the water of wis-
dom to drink.
4 He shall be stayed upon her, and shall
not be moved ; and shall rely upon her, and
shall not be confounded.
5 She shall exalt him above his neigh-
bours, and in the midst of the congregation
shall she open his mouth.
6 He shall find joy and a crown of glad-
ness, and she shall cause him to inherit an
everlasting name.
7 But foolish men shall not attain unto
her, and sinners shall not see her.


Ecclesiasticus.
19 And his eyes are upon them that fear
him, and he knoweth every work of man.
20 He hath commanded no man to do
wickedly, neither hath he given any man
license to sin.
. CHAPTER XVI.
ESIRE not a multitude of unprofitable
1 children, neither delight in ungodly
sons.
2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in
them, except the fear of the Lord be with
them.
3 Trust not thou in their life, neither re-
spect their multitude: for one that is just is
better than a thousand; and better it is to
die without children, than to have them that
are ungodly.
4 For by one that hath understanding
shall the city be replenished: but the kin-
dred of the wicked shall speedily become
desolate.
5 Many such things have I seen with
mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater
things than these.
6 In the congregation of the ungodly


Ecclesiasticus.
53
3 He endued them with strength by them-
selves, and made them according to his
image,
- 4 And put the fear of man upon all flesh,
and gave him dominion over beasts and
fowls.
5 [They received the use of the five ope-
rations of the Lord, and in the sixth place
he imparted them understanding, and in
the seventh speech, an interpreter of the
cogitations thereof.]
6 Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears,
and a heart, gave he them to understand.
7 Withal he filled them with the knowl-
edge of understanding, and shewed them
good and evil.
8 He set his eye upon their hearts, that
he might shew them the greatness of his
works.
9 He gave them to glory in his marvel-
lous acts for ever, that they might declare
his works with understanding.
10 And the elect shall praise his holy
name.
II Beside this he gave them knowledge,
and the law of life for an heritage.
12 He made an everlasting covenant with
them, and shewed them his judgments.


54
Ecclesiasticus.
13 Their eyes saw the majesty of his
glory, and their ears heard his glorious
voice.
14 And he said unto them, Beware of all
unrighteousness; and he gave every man
commandment concerning his neighbour.
15 Their ways are ever before him, and
shall not be hid from his eyes.
16 Every man from his youth is given to
evil ; neither could they make to themselves
fleshy hearts for stony.
17 For in the division of the nations of
the whole earth he set a ruler over every
people ; but Israel is the Lord's portion :
18 Whom, being his first-born, he nour-
isheth with discipline, and giving him the
light of his love doth not forsake bim.
19 Therefore all their works are as the
sun before him, and his eyes are continually
upon their ways.
20 None of their unrighteous deeds are
hid from him, but all their sins are before
the Lord.
21 But the Lord being gracious, and
knowing his workmanship, neither left nor
forsook them, but spared them.
22 The alms of a man is as a signet with


Ecclesiasticus.
57
neither may any thing be put unto them,
neither can the ground of them be found
out.
7 When a man hath done, then he begin-
neth ; and when he leaveth off, then he
shall be doubtful.
8 What is man, and whereto serveth he?
what is his good, and what is his evil?
9 The number of a man's days at the
most are an hundred years.
10 As a drop of water unto the sea, and
a gravel stone in comparison of the sand;
so are a thousand years to the days of eter-
nitv.
11 Therefore is God patient with them,
and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
12 He saw and perceived their end to be
evil ; therefore he multiplied his compassion.
13 The mercy of man is toward his neigh-
bour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all
flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and
teacheth, and bringeth again, as a shepherd
his flock.
14 He hath mercy on them that receive
discipline, and that diligently seek after his
judgments.
15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds,


58
Ecclesiasticus.
neither use uncomfortable words when thou
givest any thing.
16 Shall not the dew assuage the heat ?
so is a word better than a gift.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift?
but both are with a gracious man.
18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a
gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.
19 Learn before thou speak, and use
physic or ever thou be sick.
20 Before judgment examine thyself, and
in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.
21 Humble thyself before thou be sick,
and in the time of sins shew repentance.
22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy
vow in due time, and defer not until death
to be justified.
23 Before thou prayest, prepare thyself;
and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.
24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at
the end, and the time of vengeance, when
he shall turn away his face.
25 When thou hast enough, remember
the time of hunger: and when thou art rich
think upon poverty and need.
26 From the morning until the evening
the time is changed, and all things are soon
done before the Lord.


60
Ecclesiasticus.
IV
2 Wine and women will make men of
understanding to fall away: and he that
cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.
3 Moths and worms shall have him to
heritage, and a bold man shall be taken
away.
4 He that is hasty to give credit is light
minded : and he that sinneth shall offend
against his own soul.
5 Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness
shall be condemned: but he that resisteth
pleasures crowneth his life.
6 He that can rule his tongue shall live
without strife; and he that hateth babbling
shall have less evil.
7 Rehearse not unto another that which
is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never
the worse.
8 Whether it be to a friend or foe, talk
not of other men's lives; and if thou canst
without offence, reveal them not.
9 For he heard and observed thee, and
when time cometh he will hate thee.
10 If thou hast heard a word, let it die
with thee; and be bold, it will not burst
thee.
II A fool travaileth with a word, as a
woman in labour of a child.


Ecclesiasticus.
61
12 As an arrow that sticketh in a man's
thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.
13 Admonish a friend, it may be he hath
not done it: and if he have done it, that he
do it no more.
14 Admonish thy friend, it may be he
hath not said it: and if he have, that he
speak it not again.
15 Admonish a friend : for many times it
is a slander, and believe not every tale.
16 There is one that slippeth in his speech,
but not from his heart ; and who is he that
hath not offended with his tongue?
17 Admonish thy neighbour before thou
threaten him ; and not being angry, give
place to the law of the Most High.
18 The fear of the Lord is the first step
to be accepted [of him,] and wisdom ob-
taineth his love.
19 The knowledge of the commandments
of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they
that do things that please him shall receive
the fruit of the tree of immortality.
20 The fear of the Lord is all wisdom ;
and in all wisdom is the performance of the
law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
21 If a servant say to his master, I will


62
Ecclesiasticus.
not do as it pleaseth thee; though after-
ward he do it, he angereth him that nour-
isheth him.
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not
wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of
sinners prudence.
23 There is a wickedness, and the same
an abomination; and there is a fool wanting
in wisdom.
24 He that hath small understanding, and
feareth God, is better than one that hath
much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of
the Most High.
25 There is an exquisite subtilty, and the
same is unjust; and there is one that turneth
aside to make judgment appear; and there
is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
26 There is a wicked man that hangeth
down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full
of deceit,
27 Casting down his countenance, and
making as if he heard not : where he is not
known, he will do thee a mischief before
thou be aware.
28 And if for want of power he be hin-
dered from sinning, yet when he findeth
opportunity he will do evil.


Ecclesiasticus.
63
29 A man may be known by his look, and
one that hath understanding by his counte-
nance, when thou meetest him.
30 A man's attire, and excessive laughter,
and gait, shew what he is.
CHAPTER XX.
THERE is a reproof that is not comely : 1
1 again, some man holdeth his tongue,
and he is wise.
2 It is much better to reprove, than to be
angry secretly: and he that confesseth his
fault shall be preserved from hurt.
3 How good is it, when thou art reproved,
to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape
wilful sin.
4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower
a virgin ; so is he that executeth judgment
with violence.
5 There is one that keepeth silence, and
is found wise : and another by much bab-
bling becometh hateful.
6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because
he hath not to answer: and some keepeth
silence, knowing his time.
i Or, seasonable.


64
Ecclesiasticus.
7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he
see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool
will regard no time.
8 He that useth many words shall be
abhorred; and he that taketh to himself
authority therein shall be hated.
9 There is a sinner that hath good success
in evil things; and there is a gain that turn-
eth to loss.
10 There is a gift that shall not profit
thee; and there is a gift whose recompense
is double.
11 There is an abasement because of
glory; and there is that lifteth up his head
from a low estate.
12 There is that buyeth much for a little,
and repayeth it seven fold.
13 A wise man by his words maketh
himself beloved: but the graces of fools
shall be poured out.
14 The gift of a fool shall do thee no
good when thou hast it; neither yet of the
envious for his necessity; for he looketh to
receive many things for one.
15 He giveth little, and upbraideth much ;
he openeth his mouth like a crier; to-day
he lendeth, and to-morrow will he ask it


66
Ecclesiasticus.
25 A thief is better than a man that is
accustomed to lie: but they both shall have
destruction to heritage.
26 The disposition of a liar is dishonour-
able, and his shame is ever with him.
27 A wise man shall promote himself to
honour with his words : and he that hath un-
derstanding will please great men.
28 He that tilleth his land shall increase
his heap: and he that pleaseth great men
shall get pardon for iniquity.
29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of
the wise, and stop up his mouth that he
cannot reprove.
30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that
is hoarded up, what profit is in them both ?
31 Better is he that hideth his folly than
a man that hideth his wisdom.
32 Necessary patience in seeking the
Lord is better than he that leadeth his life
without a guide.
CHAPTER XXI.
Y son, hast thou sinned? do so no
I more, but ask pardon for thy former
sins.


Ecclesiasticus.
2 Flee from sin as from the face of a
serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it
will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the
teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
3 All iniquity is as a two-edged sword,
the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
4 To terrify and do wrong will waste
riches : thus the house of proud men shall
be made desolate.
5 A prayer out of a poor man's mouth
reacheth to the ears of God, and his judg-
ment cometh speedily.
6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the
way of sinners : but he that feareth the Lord
will repent from his heart.
7 An eloquent man is known far and
near; but a man of understanding knoweth
when he slippeth.
8 He that buildeth his house with other
men's money is like one that gathereth him-
self stones for the tomb of his burial.
9 The congregation of the wicked is like
tow wrapped together : and the end of them
is a flame of fire to destroy them.
10 The way of sinners is made plain with
stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of
hell.


Ecclesiasticus.
69
feet, and like manacles on the right
hand.
20 A fool lifteth up his voice with laugh-
ter ; but a wise man doth scarce smile a
little.
21 Learning is unto a wise man as an or-
nament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his
right arm.
22 A foolish man's foot is soon in his
[neighbour's] house: but a man of experi-
ence is ashamed of him.
23 A fool will peep in at the door into
the house: but he that is well nurtured will
stand without.
24. It is the rudeness of a man to hearken
at the door: but a wise man will be grieved
with the disgrace.
25 The lips of talkers will be telling such
things as pertain not unto them : but the
words of such as have understanding are
weighed in the balance.
26 The heart of fools is in their mouth :
but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
27 When the ungodly curseth Satan, he
curseth his own soul.
28 A whisperer defileth his own soul, and
is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.


70
Ecclesiasticus.
CHAPTER XXII.
A SLOTHFUL man is compared to a
n filthy stone, and every one will hiss
him out to his disgrace.
2. A slothful man is compared to the filth
of a dunghill : every man that takes it up
will shake his hand.
3 An evil nurtured son is the dishonour
of his father that begat him: and a [foolish]
daughter is born to his loss.
4 A wise daughter shall bring an inherit-
ance to her husband : but she that liveth
dishonestly is her father's heaviness.
5 She that is bold dishonoureth both her
father and her husband, but they both shall
despise her.
6 A tale out of season [is as] music in
mourning: but stripes and correction of
wisdom are never out of time.
7 Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that
glueth a potsherd together, and as he that
waketh one from a sound sleep.
8 He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh
to one in a slumber : when he hath told his
tale, he will say, What is the matter ?


Ecclesiasticus.
71
9 If children live honestly, and have
wherewithal, they shall cover the baseness
of their parents.
10 But children, being haughty, through
disdain and want of nurture do stain the
nobility of their kindred.
11 Weep for the dead, for he hath lost
the light: and weep for the fool, for he
wanteth understanding: (make little weep-
ing for the dead, for he is at rest :) but the
life of the fool is worse than death.
12 Seven days do men mourn for him
that is dead ; but for a fool and an ungodly
man all the days of his life.
13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not
to him that hath no understanding: beware
of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt
never be defiled with his fooleries: depart
from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never
be disquieted with madness.
14 What is heavier than lead? and what
is the name thereof, but a fool ?
15 Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is
easier to bear than a man without under-
standing.
16 As timber girt and bound together in
a building cannot be loosed with shaking:
i Or, an art.


72
Ecclesiasticus.
so the heart that is stablished by advised
counsel shall fear at no time.
17 A heart settled upon a thought of un-
derstanding is as a fair plastering on the
wall of a gallery.
18 Pales set on an high place will never.
stand against the wind : so a fearful heart
in the imagination of a fool cannot stand
against any fear.
19 He that pricketh the eye will make
tears to fall: and he that pricketh the heart
maketh it to shew her knowledge.
20 Whoso casteth a stone at the birds
frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth
his friend breaketh friendship.
21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy
friend, yet despair not: for there may be a
returning (to favour.]
22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against
thy friend, fear not; for there may be a
reconciliation : except for upbraiding, or
pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treach-
erous wound: for, for these things every
• friend will depart.
23 Be faithful to thy neighbour in his
poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his
prosperity: abide steadfast unto him in the


74
Ecclesiasticus.
3 Lest mine ignorances increase, and my
sins abound to my destruction, and I fall
before mine adversaries, and mine enemy
rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy
mercy.
4 O Lord, Father and God of my life, give
me not a proud look, but turn away from
thy servants always a haughty mind.
5 Turn away from me vain hopes and
concupiscence, and thou shalt hold him up
that is desirous always to serve thee.
6 Let not the greediness of the belly nor
lust of the flesh take hold of me; and give
not over me thy servant into an impudent
mind.
7 Hear, O ye children, the discipline of
the mouth: he that keepeth it shall never
be taken in his lips.
8 The sinner shall be left in his foolish-
ness : both the evil speaker and the proud
shall fall thereby.
9 Accustom not thy mouth to swearing;
neither use thyself to the naming of the
Holy One.
10 For as a servant that is continually
beaten shall not be without a blue mark : so
he that sweareth and nameth God con-
tinually shall not be faultless.


Ecclesiasticus.
77
thirdly, she hath played the whore in adul-
tery, and brought children by another man.
24 She shall be brought out into the con-
gregation, and inquisition shall be made of
her children.
25 Her children shall not take root, and
her branches shall bring forth no fruit.
26 She shall leave her memory to be
cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted
out.
27 And they that remain shall know that
there is nothing better than the fear of the
Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than
to take heed unto the commandments of the
Lord.
28 It is great glory to follow the Lord,
and to be received of him is long life.
CHAPTER XXIV.
W ISDOM shall praise herself, and shall
glory in the midst of her people.
2 In the congregation of the Most High
shall she open her mouth, and triumph
before his power.
3 I came out of the mouth of the Most
High, and covered the earth as a cloud.


Ecclesiasticus.
4 I dwelt in high places, and my throne
is in a cloudy pillar.
5 I alone compassed the circuit of heaven,
and walked in the bottom of the deep.
6 In the waves of the sea, and in all the
earth, and in every people and nation, I got
a possession.
7 With all these I sought rest: and in
whose inheritance shall I abide ?
8 So the Creator of all things gave me a
commandment, and he that made me caused
my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy
dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance
in Israel.
9 He created me from the beginning be-
fore the world, and I shall never fail.
10 In the holy tabernacle I served before
him; and so I was established in Sion.
11 Likewise in the beloved 1 city he gave
me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power.
12 And I took root in an honourable
people, even in the portion of the Lord's
inheritance.
13 I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus,
and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of
Hermon.
I Or, holy.


Ecclesiasticus.
79
14 I was exalted like a palm tree in En-
gaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a
fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew
up as a plane tree by the water.
15 I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon
and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant
odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and
onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of
frankincense in the tabernacle.
16 As the turpentine tree I stretched out
my branches, and my branches are the
branches of honour and grace.
17 As the vine brought I forth a pleasant
savour, and my flowers are the fruit of hon-
our and riches.
18 I am the mother of fair love, and fear,
and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore,
being eternal, am given to all my children
which are named of him.
19 Come unto me all ye that be desirous
of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits.
20 For my memorial is sweeter than
honey, and mine inheritance than the honey
comb.
21 They that eat me shall yet be hungry,
and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty.
* Or, chosen.


80
Ecclesiasticus.
22 He that obeyeth me shall never be
confounded, and they that work by me shall
not do amiss.
23 All these things are the book of the
covenant of the most high God, even the law
which Moses commanded for an heritage
unto the congregations of Jacob.
24 Faint not to be strong in the Lord:
that he may confirm you, cleave unto him :
for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and
beside him there is no other Saviour.
25 He filleth all things with his wisdom,
as Phison and as Tigris in the time of the
new fruits.
26 He maketh the understanding to
abound like Euphrates, and as Jordan in
the time of the harvest.
27 He maketh the doctrine of knowledge
appear as the light, and as Geon in the time
of vintage.
28 The first man knew her not perfectly:
no more shall the last find her out.
29 For her thoughts are more than the
sea, and her counsels profounder than the
great deep.
30 I also came out as a brook from a
river, and as a conduit into a garden.


Ecclesiasticus.
81
31 I said, I will water my best garden,
and will water abundantly my garden bed:
and lo, my brook became a river, and my
river became a sea.
32 I will yet make doctrine to shine as the
morning, and will send forth her light afar off.
33 I will yet pour out doctrine as proph-
ecy, and leave it to all ages for ever.
34 Behold that I have not laboured for
myself only, but for all them that seek
wisdom.
CHAPTER XXV.
TN three things I was beautified,' and stood
1 up beautiful both before God and men :
the unity of brethren, the love of neigh-
bours, a man and a wife that agree together.
2 Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and
I am greatly offended at their life : a poor
man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar,
and an old adulterer that doateth.
3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy
youth, how canst thou find any thing in
thine age.
"Or, gloried.


82
Ecclesiasticus.
4 O how comely a thing is judgment for
gray hairs, and for ancient men to know
counsel!
5 O how comely is the wisdom of old
men, and understanding and counsel to men
of honour !
6 Much experience is the crown of old
men, and the fear of God is their glory.
7 There be nine things which I have
judged in mine heart to be happy, and the
tenth I will utter with my tongue : a man
that hath joy of his children ; and he that
liveth to see the fall of his enemy :
8 Well is him that dwelleth with a wife
of understanding, and that hath not slipped
with his tongue, and that hath not served a
man more unworthy than himself:
9 Well is him that hath found prudence,
and he that speaketh in the ears of them
that will hear:
10 O how great is he that findeth wis-
dom ! yet is there none above him that
feareth the Lord.
11 But the love of the Lord passeth all
things for illumination : he that holdeth it,
whereto shall he be likened ?
12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning


Ecclesiasticus.
.
3 A good wife is a good portion, which
shall be given in the portion of them that
fear the Lord.
4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he
have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall
at all times rejoice with a cheerful counte-
nance.
5 There be three things that mine heart
feareth ; and for the fourth I was sore
afraid : the slander of a city, the gathering
together of an unruly multitude, and a false
accusation: all these are worse than death.
6 But a grief of heart and sorrow is a
woman that is jealous over another woman,
and a scourge of the tongue which com-
municateth with all.
7 An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and
fro: he that hath hold of her is as though
he held a scorpion.
8 A drunken woman and a gadder abroad
causeth great anger, and she will not cover
her own shame.
9 The whoredom of a woman may be
known in her haughty looks and eyelids.
10 If thy daughter be shameless, keep
her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through
overmuch liberty.


86
Ecclesiasticus.
11 Watch over an impudent eye: and
marvel not if she trespass against thee.
12 She will open her mouth as a thirsty
traveller when he hath found a fountain,
and drink of every water near her: by every
hedge she will sit down, and open her
quiver against every arrow.
13 The grace of a wife delighteth her
husband, and her discretion will fatten his
bones.
14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of
the Lord; and there is nothing so much
worth as a mind well instructed.
15 A shamefaced and a faithful woman is
a double grace, and her continent mind
cannot be valued.
16 As the sun when it ariseth in the high
heavens; so is the beauty of a good wife in
the ordering of her house.
17 As the clear light is upon the holy
candlestick, so is the beauty of the face in
ripe age.
18 As the golden pillars are upon the
sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a
constant heart.
19 My son, keep the flower of thine age
sound; and give not thy strength to stran-
gers.


Ecclesiasticus.
89
6 The fruit declareth if the tree have been
dressed ; so is the utterance of a conceit in
the heart of man.
7 Praise no man before thou hearest him
speak; for this is the trial of men. -
8 If thou followest righteousness, thou
shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glori-
ous long robe.
9 The birds will resort unto their like ; so
will truth return unto them that practise in
her.
10 As the lion lieth in wait for the prey ;
so sin for them that work iniquity.
11 The discourse of a godly man is al-
ways with wisdom ; but a fool changeth as
the moon.
! 12 If thou be among the indiscreet, ob-
serve the time; but be continually among
men of understanding.
13 The discourse of fools is irksome, and
their sport is the wantonness of sin.
14 The talk of him that sweareth much
maketh the hair stand upright; and their
brawls make one stop his ears.
15 The strife of the proud is bloodshed-
ding, and their revilings are grievous to the
ear.


Ecclesiasticus.
91
24 I have hated many things; but nothing
like him ; for the Lord will hate him.
25 Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth
it on his own head ; and a deceitful stroke
shall make wounds.
26 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein ;
and he that setteth a trap shall be taken
therein.
27 He that worketh mischief, it shall fall
upon him, and he shall not know whence it
cometh.
28 Mockery and reproach are from the
proud ; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in
wait for them.
29 They that rejoice at the fall of the
righteous shall be taken in the snare; and
anguish shall consume them before they die.
30 Malice and wrath, even these are
abominations; and the sinful man shall
have them both.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CE that revengeth shall find vengeance
11 from the Lord, and he will surely
keep his sins [in remembrance.]


Ecclesiasticus.
95
.
2 Lend to thy neighbour in time of his
need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in
due season.
3 Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with
him, and thou shalt always find the thing
that is necessary for thee.
4 Many, when a thing was lent them,
reckoned it to be found, and put them to
trouble that helped them.
5 Till he hath received, he will kiss a
man's hand; and for his neighbour's money
he will speak submissly: but when he should
repay, he will prolong the time, and return
words of grief, and complain of the time.
6 If he prevail, he shall hardly receive
the half, and he will count as if he had
found it; if not, he hath deprived him of
his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy
without cause : he payeth him with cursings
and railings; and for honour he will pay
him disgrace.
7 Many therefore have refused to lend
for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be
defrauded.
8 Yet have thou patience with a man in
poor estate, and delay not to shew him
mercy.


96
Ecclesiasticus.
9 Help the poor for the commandment's .
sake, and turn him not away because of his
poverty.
10 Lose thy money for thy brother and
thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone
to be lost.
11 Lay up thy treasure according to the
commandments of the Most High, and it
shall bring thee more profit than gold.
12 Shut up alms in thy storehouses : and
it shall deliver thee from all affliction.
13 It shall fight for thee against thine
enemies better than a mighty shield and
strong spear.
14 An honest man is surety for his neigh-
bour; but he that is impudent will forsake
him.
15 Forget not the friendship of thy surety,
for he hath given his life for thee.
16 A sinner will overthrow the good es-
tate of his surety :
17 And he that is of an unthankful mind
will leave him [in danger] that delivered
him.
18 Suretiship hath undone many of good
estate, and shaken them as a wave of the
sea : mighty men hath it driven from their


Ecclesiasticus.
97
houses, so that they wandered among strange
nations.
19 A wicked man transgressing the com-
mandments of the Lord shall fall into sureti-
ship: and he that undertaketh and followeth
other men's business for gain shall fall into
suits.
20 Help thy neighbour according to thy
power, and beware that thou thyself fall not
into the same.
21 The chief thing for life is water, and
bread, and clothing, and an house to cover
shame.
22 Better is the life of a poor man in a
mean cottage, than delicate fare in another
man's house.
23 Be it little or much, hold thee con-
tented, that thou hear not the reproach of
thy house.
24 For it is a miserable life to go from
house to house: for where thou art a stran-
ger, thou darest not open thy mouth.
25 Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and
have no thanks : moreover, thou shalt hear
bitter words:
26 Come, thou stranger, and furnish a
table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.


Ecclesiasticus.
· 99
7 He that maketh too much of his son
shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels
will be troubled at every cry.
8 An horse not broken becometh head-
strong: and a child left to himself will be
wilful.
9 Cocker thy child, and he shall make
thee afraid : play with him, and he will
bring thee to heaviness.
10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have
sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy
teeth in the end.
11 Give him no liberty in his youth, and
wink not at his follies.
12 Bow down his neck while he is young,
and beat him on the sides while he is a
child, lest he wax stubborn, and be diso-
bedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to
thine heart.
13 Chastise thy son, and hold him to
labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence
unto thee.
14 Better is the poor, being sound and
strong of constitution, than a rich man that
is afflicted in his body.
15 Health and good estate of body are
above all gold, and a strong body above in-
finite wealth.


Ecclesiasticus.
IOI
CHAPTER XXXI.
VATCHING for riches consumeth the
VV flesh, and the care thereof driveth
away sleep.
2 Watching care will not let a man slum-
ber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep.
3 The rich hath great labour in gathering
riches together; and when he resteth, he is
filled with his delicates.
4 The poor laboureth in his poor estate ;
and when he leaveth off, he is still needy.
5 He that loveth gold shall not be justi-
fied, and he that followeth corruption shall
have enough thereof.
6 Gold hath been the ruin of many, and
their destruction was present.
7 It is a stumbling block unto them that
sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be
taken therewith.
8 Blessed is the rich that is found with-
out blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
9 Who is he? and we will call him
blessed : for wonderful things hath he done
among his people.
10 Who hath been tried thereby, and


102
Ecclesiasticus.
found perfect? then let him glory. Who
might offend, and hath not offended ? or
done evil, and hath not done it?
II His goods shall be established, and
the congregation shall declare his alms.
12 If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not
greedy upon it, and say not, There is much
meat on it.
13 Remember that a wicked eye is an
evil thing: and what is created more wicked
than an eye ? therefore it weepeth upon every
occasion.
14 Stretch not thine hand whithersoever
it looketh, and thrust it not with him into
the dish.
15 Judge of thy neighbour by thyself :
and be discreet in every point.
16 Eat, as it becometh a man, those
things which are set before thee; and de-
vour not, lest thou be hated.
17 Leave off first for manners' sake; and
be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.
18 When thou sittest among many, reach
not thine hand out first of all.
19 A very little is sufficient for a man
well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind
short upon his bed.


104
Ecclesiasticus.
28 Wine measurably drunk and in season
bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheer-
fulness of the mind :
29 But wine drunken with excess maketh
bitterness of the mind, with brawling and
quarrelling.
30 Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a
fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength,
and maketh wounds.
31 Rebuke not thy neighbour at the
wine, and despise him not in his mirth :
give him no despiteful words, and press not
upon him with urging him [to drink.]
CHAPTER XXXII.
TF thou be made the master [of a feast),
1 lift not thyself up, but be among them
as one of the rest; take diligent care for
them, and so sit down.
2 And when thou hast done all thy office,
take thy place, that thou mayest be merry
with them, and receive a crown for thy well
ordering of the feast.
3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it be-
cometh thee, but with sound judgment; and
hinder not music.


Ecclesiasticus.
105
4 Pour not out words where there is a
musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of
time.
5 A concert of music in a banquet of
wine is as a signet or carbuncle set in gold.
6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work
of gold, so is the melody of music with
pleasant wine.
7 Speak, young man, if there be need of
thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice
asked.
8 Let thy speech be short, comprehend-
ing much in few words ; be as one that
knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.
9 If thou be among great men, make not
thyself equal with them; and when ancient
men are in place, use not many words.
10 Before the thunder goeth lightning ;
and before a shamefaced man shall go fa-
vour.
II Rise up betimes, and be not the last;
but get thee home without delay.
12 There take thy pastime, and do what
thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.
13 And for these things bless him that
made thee, and hath replenished thee with
his good things.


Ecclesiasticus.
109
17 Consider that I laboured not for my-
self only, but for all them that seek learning.
18 Hear me, O ye great men of the people,
and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the
congregation.
19 Give not thy son and wife, thy brother
and friend, power over thee while thou liv-
est, and give not thy goods to another: lest
it repent thee, and thou entreat for the same
again.
20 As long as thou livest and hast breath
in thee, give not thyself over to any.
21 For better it is that thy children
should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest
stand to their courtesy.
22 In all thy works keep to thyself the
pre-eminence; leave not a stain in thine
honour.
23 At the time when thou shalt end thy
days, and finish thy life, distribute thine in-
heritance.
24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for
the ass; and bread, correction, and work,
for a servant.
25 If thou set thy servant to labour, thou
shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle,
he shall seek liberty.


I 10
Ecclesiasticus.
26 A yoke and a collar do bow the neck :
so are tortures and torments for an evil ser-
vant.
27 Send him to labour, that he be not
idle ; for idleness teacheth much evil.
28 Set him to work, as is fit for him: if
he be not obedient, put on more heavy
fetters.
29 But be not excessive toward any; and
without discretion do nothing.
30 If thou have a servant, let him be unto
thee as thyself, because thou hast bought
him with a price.
*31 If thou have a servant, entreat him
as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as
of thine own soul : if thou entreat him evil,
and he run from thee, which way wilt thou
go to seek him?
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE hopes of a man void of under-
I standing are vain and false : and
dreams lift up fools.
2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him
| Vulgate, faithful servant.


Ecclesiasticus.
III
that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth
after the wind.
3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance
of one thing to another, even as the likeness
of a face to a face.
4. Of an unclean thing what can be
cleansed ? and from that thing which is
false what truth can come ?
5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and
dreams, are vain : and the heart fancieth, as
a woman's heart in travail.
6 If they be not sent from the Most
High in thy visitation, set not thy heart
upon them."
7 For dreams have deceived many, and
they have failed that put their trust in them.
8 The law shall be found perfect without
lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful
mouth.
A man that hath travelled knoweth
many things ; and he that hath much ex-
perience will declare wisdom.
10 He that hath no experience knoweth
little : but he that hath travelled is full of
prudence.
11 When I travelled, I saw many things;
and I understand more than I can express.
i Or, regard them not.


II2
Ecclesiasticus.
12 I was ofttimes in danger of death :
yet I was delivered because of these things.
13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord
shall live ; for their hope is in him that
saveth them.
14 Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear
nor be afraid ; for he is his hope.
15 Blessed is the soul of him that feareth
the Lord : to whom doth he look? and who
is his strength ?
16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon
them that love him, he is their mighty pro-
tection and strong stay, a defence from heat,
and a cover from the sun at noon, a pre-
servation from stumbling, and an help from
falling.
17 He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth
the eyes : he giveth health, life, and bless-
ing.
18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrong-
fully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and
the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.
19 The Most High is not pleased with
the offerings of the wicked ; neither is he
pacified for sin by the multitude of sacri-
fices.
20 Whoso bringeth an offering of the


Ecclesiasticus.
113
goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth
the son before his father's eyes.
21 The bread of the needy is their life :
he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of
blood.
22 He that taketh away his neighbour's
living slayeth him ; and he that defraudeth
the labourer of his hire is a blood shedder.
23 When one buildeth, and another pull-
eth down, what profit have they then but
labour ?
24 When one prayeth, and another curs-
eth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25 He that washeth himself after the
touching of a dead body, if he touch it
again, what availeth his washing ?
26 So it is with a man that fasteth for his
sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same:
who will hear his prayer? or what doth his
humbling profit him?
CHAPTER XXXV.
L E that keepeth the law bringeth offer-
11 ings enough : he that taketh heed to
the commandment offereth a peace offering.


114
Ecclesiasticus.
2 He that requiteth a good turn offereth
fine flour ; and he that giveth alms sacri-
ficeth praise.
3 To depart from wickedness is a thing
pleasing to the Lord ; and to forsake un-
righteousness is a propitiation.
4 Thou shalt not appear empty before
the Lord.
5 For all these things [are to be done]
because of the commandment.
6 The offering of the righteous maketh
the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof
is before the Most High.
7 The sacrifice of a just man is accept-
able, and the memorial thereof shall never
be forgotten.
8 Give the Lord his honour with a good
eye, and diminish not the first fruits of thine
hands.
9 In all thy gifts shew a cheerful counte-
nance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.
10 Give unto the Most High according as
he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast
gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
II For the Lord recompenseth, and will
give thee seven times as much.
12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts ;


118
Ecclesiasticus.
16 Reward them that wait for thee, and
let thy prophets be found faithful.
17 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy ser-
vants, according to the blessing of Aaron
over thy people, that all they which dwell
upon the earth may know that thou art the
Lord, the eternal God.
18 The belly devoureth all meats, yet is
one meat better than another.
19 As the palate tasteth divers kinds of
venison : so doth an heart of understanding
false speeches.
20 A froward heart causeth heaviness:
but a man of experience will recompense
him.1
21 A woman will receive every man, yet
is one daughter better than another.
22 The beauty of a woman cheereth the
countenance, and a man loveth nothing
better.
23 If there be kindness, meekness, and
comfort in her tongue, then is not her hus-
band like other men.
24 He that getteth a wife, beginneth a
possession, a help like unto himself, and a
pillar of rest.
| Vulgate, resist it.


I20
Ecclesiasticus.
8 Beware of a counsellor, and know be-
fore what need he hath ; for he will counsel
for himself ; lest he cast the lot upon thee,
9 And say unto thee, Thy way is good :
and afterward he stand on the other side, to
see what shall befal thee.
10 Consult not with one that suspecteth
thee: and hide thy counsel from such as
envy thee.
II Neither consult with a woman touch-
ing her of whom she is jealous ; neither
with a coward in matters of war; nor with
a merchant concerning exchange ; nor with
a buyer of selling ; nor with an envious man
of thankfulness ; nor with an unmerciful
man touching kindness; nor with the sloth-
ful for any work ; nor with an hireling for a
year of finishing work; nor with an idle
servant of much business : hearken not unto
these in any matter of counsel.
12 But be continually with a godly man,
whom thou knowest to keep the command-
ments of the Lord, whose mind is according
to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if
thou shalt miscarry.
13 And let the counsel of thine own heart
stand : for there is no man more faithful
unto thee than it.


Ecclesiasticus.
I 21
14 For a man's mind is sometime wont to
tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit
above in an high tower.
15 And above all this pray to the Most
High, that he will direct thy way in truth.
16 Let reason go before every enterprise,
and counsel before every action.
17 The countenance is a sign of changing
of the heart.
18 Four manner of things appear : good
and evil, life and death : but the tongue
ruleth over them continually.
19 There is one that is wise and teacheth
many, and yet is unprofitable to himself.
20 There is one that sheweth wisdoni in
words, and is hated : he shall be destitute
of all food.1
21 For grace is not given him from the
Lord ; because he is deprived of all wisdom.
22 Another is wise to himself ; and the
fruits of understanding are commendable in
his mouth.
23 A wise man instructeth his people ;
and the fruits of his understanding fail not.
24 A wise man shall be filled with bless-
ing; and all they that see him shall count
him happy.
1 Or, wisdom.


Ecclesiasticus.
123
3 The skill of the physician shall lift up
his head : and in the sight of great men he
shall be in admiration.
4 The Lord hath created medicines out
of the earth ; and he that is wise will not
abhor them.
5 Was not the water made sweet with
wood, that the virtue thereof might be
known?
6 And he hath given men skill, that he
might be honoured in his marvellous works.
7 With such doth he heal [men,] and
taketh away their pains.
8 Of such doth the apothecary make a
confection ; and of his works there is no
end; and from him is peace over all the
earth.
9 My son, in thy sickness be not negli-
gent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will
make thee whole.
10 Leave off from sin, and order thine
hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all
wickedness.
11 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial
of fine flour ; and make a fat offering, as
not being
12 Then give place to the physician, for


Ecclesiasticus.
125
.
again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt
thyself.
.22 Remember my judgment: for thine
also shall be so; yesterday for me, and to-
day for thee.
23 When the dead is at rest, let his re-
membrance rest; and be comforted for him,
when his spirit is departed from him.
V 24 The wisdom of a learned man cometh
by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath
little business shall become wise.
25 How can he get wisdom that holdeth
the plough, and that glorieth in the goad,
that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their
labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
26 He giveth his mind to make furrows;
and is diligent to give the kine fodder.
27 So every carpenter and workmaster,
that laboureth night and day: and they that
cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make
great variety, and give themselves to coun-
terfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work:
X 28 The smith also sitting by the anvil,
and considering the iron work, the vapour
of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth
with the heat of the furnace: the noise of
the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears,


132
Ecclesiasticus.
crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen
frock.
5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquiet-
ness, fear of death, and anger, and strife,
and in the time of rest upon his bed his
night sleep, do change his knowledge.
6 A little or nothing is his rest, and after
ward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keep
ing watch, troubled in the vision of his
heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and mar-
velleth that the fear was nothing.
8 [Such things happen] unto all flesh,
both man and beast, and that is sevenfold
more upon sinners.
9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword,
calamities, famine, tribulation, and the
scourge;
10 These things are created for the wick-
ed, and for their sakes came the flood.
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.
12 All bribery and injustice shall be
blotted out: but true dealing shall endure
for ever.
13 The goods of the unjust shall be


Ecclesiasticus.
133
dried up like a river, and shall vanish with
noise, like a great thunder in rain.
14 While he openeth his hand he shall
rejoice: so shall transgressors come to
nought.
15 The children of the ungodly shall not
bring forth many branches : but are as un-
clean roots upon a hard rock.
16 The weed growing upon every water
and bank of a river shall be pulled up be-
fore all grass.
17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful
garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
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.
19 Children and the building of a city
continue a man's name: but a blameless
wife is counted above them both.
20 Wine and music rejoice the heart : but
the love of wisdom is above them both.
21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet
melody: but a pleasant tongue is above
them both.
22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty :
but more than both, corn while it is green.
" Vulgate, and in it thou shalt find a treasure.


134
Ecclesiasticus.
23 A friend and companion never meet
amiss : but above both is a wife with her
husband.
24 Brethren and help are against time of
trouble: but alms shall deliver more than
them both.
25 Gold and silver make the foot stand
sure : but counsel is esteemed above them
both.
26 Riches and strength lift up the heart :
but the fear of the Lord is above them
both: there is no want in the fear of the
Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful gar-
den, and covereth him above all glory.
28 My son, lead not a beggar's life; for
better it is to die than to beg.
29 The life of him that dependeth on an-
other man's table is not to be counted for a
life; for he polluteth himself with other
men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured
will beware thereof.
30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the
shameless : but in his belly there shall burn
a fire.


Ecclesiasticus.
137
16 Therefore be shamefaced according to
my word: for it is not good to retain all
shamefacedness; neither is it altogether ap-
proved in every thing.
17 Be ashamed of whoredom before father
and mother: and of a lie before a prince
and a mighty man;
18 Of an offence before a judge and
ruler ; of iniquity before a congregation and
people ; of unjust dealing before thy partner
and friend;
19 And of theft in regard of the place
where thou sojournest, and in regard of the
truth of God and his covenant; and to lean
with thine elbow upon the meat ; and of
scorning to give and take;
20 And of silence before them that salute
thee ; and to look upon an harlot;.
21 And to turn away thy face from thy
kinsman ; or to take away a portion or a
gift ; or to gaze upon another man's wife;
22 Or to be overbusy with his maid, and
come not near her bed ; or of upbraiding
speeches before friends; and after thou hast
given, upbraid not ;
23 Or of iterating and speaking again that
which thou hast heard ; and of revealing of
secrets.


138
Ecclesiasticus.
24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced,
and find favour before all men.
CHAPTER XLII.
F these things be not thou ashamed:
, and accept no person to sin thereby :
2 Of the law of the Most High, and his
covenant; and of judgment to justify the
ungodly ;
3 Of reckoning with thy partners and
travellers ; or of the gift of the heritage of
friends ;
4. Of exactness of balance and weights;
or of getting much or little;
5 And of merchants' indifferent selling;
of much correction of children; and to
make the side of an evil servant to bleed.
6 Sure keeping is good, where an evil
wife is ; and shut up, where many hands
are.
7 Deliver all things in number and weight;
and put all in writing that thou givest out, or
receivest in.
8 Be not ashamed to inform the unwise
and foolish, and the extreme aged that con-


Ecclesiasticus.
139
tendeth with those that are young: thus shalt
thou be truly learned, and approved of all
men living.
9 The father waketh for the daughter,
when no man knoweth ; and the care for
her taketh away sleep: when she is young,
lest she pass away the flower of her age;
and being married, lest she should be
hated :
10 In her virginity, lest she should be
defiled and gotten with child in her father's
house; and having an husband, lest she
should misbehave herself; and when she is
married, lest she should be barren.
11 Keep a sure watch over a shameless
daughter, lest she make thee the laughing-
stock to thine enemies, and a byword in the
city, and a reproach among the people, and
make thee ashamed before the multitude.
12 Behold not everybody's beauty, and
sit not in the midst of women.
13 For from garments cometh a moth,
and from women wickedness.
14 Better is the churlishness of a man
than a courteous woman, a woman, I say,
which bringeth shame and reproach.
15 I will now remember the works of the


140
Ecclesiasticus.
Lord, and declare the things that I have
seen: in the words of the Lord are his
works.
16 The sun that giveth light looketh upon
all things, and the work thereof is full of the
glory of the Lord.
17 The Lord hath not given power to the
saints to declare all his marvellous works,
which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that
whatsoever is, might be established for his
glory.
18 He seeketh out the deep, and the
heart, and considereth their crafty devices:
for the Lord knoweth all that may be known,
and he beholdeth the signs of the world.
19 He declareth the things that are past,
and for to come, and revealeth the steps of
hidden things.
20 No thought escapeth him, neither any
word is hidden from him.
21 He hath garnished the excellent works
of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to
everlasting: unto him may nothing be
added, neither can he be diminished, and
he hath no need of any counsellor.
22 ( how desirable are all his works !
and that a man may see even to a spark.]
1 Vulgate -— And what we can know is but as a spark.


Ecclesiasticus.
141
23 All these things live and remain for
ever for all uses, and they are all obedient.
24 All things are double one against an-
other: and he hath made nothing imperfect.
25 One thing establisheth the good of
another: and who shall be filled with be-
holding his glory?
CHAPTER XLIII.
THE pride of the height, the clear firma-
- ment, the beauty of heaven, with his
glorious shew;
2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring
at his rising a marvellous instrument, the
work of the Most High:
3 At noon it parcheth the country, and
who can abide the burning heat thereof ?
4 A man blowing a furnace is in works of
heat, but the sun burneth the mountains
three times more; breathing out fiery va-
pours, and sending forth bright beams, it
dimmeth the eyes.
5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at
his commandment it runneth hastily.
6 He made the moon also to serve in her


Ecclesiasticus.
143
16 At his sight the mountains are shaken,
and at his will the south wind bloweth.
17 The noise of the thunder maketh the
earth to tremble: so doth the northern storm
and the whirlwind : as birds flying he scat-
tereth the snow, and the falling down thereof
is as the lighting of grasshoppers :
18 The eye marvelleth at the beauty of
the whiteness thereof, and the heart is aston-
ished at the raining of it.
19 The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth
on the earth, and being congealed, it lieth
on the top of sharp stakes.1
20 When the cold north wind bloweth,
and the water is congealed into ice, it abid-
eth upon every gathering together of water,
and clotheth the water as with a breastplate.
21 It devoureth the mountains, and burn-
eth the wilderness, and consumeth the grass
as fire.
22 A present remedy of all is a mist
coming speedily: a dew coming after heat
refresheth.
23 By his counsel he appeaseth the deep,
and planteth islands therein.
24 They that sail on the sea tell of the
1 Or, it, as the points of sharp stakes.


146
Ecclesiasticus.
9 And some there be, which have no me-
morial ; who are perished, as though they
had never been ; and are become as though
they had never been born ; and their chil-
dren after them.
10 But these were merciful men, whose
righteousness hath not been forgotten.
11 With their seed shall continually re-
main a good inheritance, and their children
are within the covenant.
12 Their seed standeth fast, and their
children for their sakes.
13 Their seed shall remain for ever, and
their glory shall not be blotted out.
14 Their bodies are buried in peace; but
their name liveth for evermore.
15 The people will tell of their wisdom,
and the congregation will shew forth their
praise.
16 Enoch pleased the Lord, and was trans-
lated, being an example of repentance to all
generations.
17 Noah was found perfect and righteous ;
in the time of wrath he was taken in ex-
change [for the world] ; therefore was he
left as a remnant unto the earth, when the
flood came.


•
147
Ecclesiasticus.
18 An everlasting covenant was made
with him, that all Aesh should perish no
more by the flood.
19 Abraham was a great father of many
people : in glory was there none like unto
him ;
20 Who kept the law of the Most High,
and was in covenant with him : he estab-
lished the covenant in his flesh ; and when
he was proved, he was found faithful.
21 Therefore he assured him by an oath,
that he would bless the nations in his seed,
and that he would multiply him as the dust
of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars,
and cause them to inherit from sea to sea,
and from the river unto the utmost part of
the land.
22 With Isaac did he establish likewise
[for Abraham his father's sake] the blessing
of all men, and the covenant,
23 And made it rest upon the head of Ja-
cob. He acknowledged him in his blessing,
and gave him an heritage, and divided his
portions; among the twelve tribes did he
part them.


Ecclesiasticus.
149
neople:
7. An everlasting covenant he made with
him, and gave him the priesthood among
the people ; he beautified him with comely
ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of
glory.
8 He put upon him perfect glory; and
strengthened him with rich garments, with
breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.
9 And he compassed him with pomegran-
ates, and with many golden bells round
about, that as he went there might be a
sound, and a noise made that might be
heard in the temple, for a memorial to the
children of his people;
10 With an holy garment, with gold, and
blue silk, and purple, the work of the em-
broiderer, with a breastplate of judgment,
and with Urim and Thummim;
11 With twisted scarlet, the work of the
cunning workman, with precious stones
graven like seals, and set in gold, the work
of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for
a memorial, after the number of the tribes
of Israel.
12 He set a crown of gold upon the mi-
tre, wherein was engraved Holiness, an
ornament of honour, a costly work, the de-
sires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.


150
Ecclesiasticus.
13 Before him there were none such, nei-
ther did ever any stranger put them on, but
only his children and his children's children
perpetually.
14 Their sacrifices shall be wholly con-
sumed every day twice continually.
15 Moses consecrated him, and anointed
him with holy oil : this was appointed unto
him by an everlasting covenant, and to his
seed, so long as the heavens should remain,
that they should minister unto him, and
execute the office of the priesthood, and
bless the people in his name.
16 He chose him out of all men living to
offer sacrifice to the Lord, incense, and a
sweet savour, for a memorial, to make recon-
ciliation for his people.
17 He gave unto him his commandments,
and authority in the statutes of judgments,
that he should teach Jacob the testimonies,
and inform Israel in his laws.
18 Strangers conspired together against
him, and maligned him in the wilderness,
even the men that were of Dathan's and
Abiron's side, and the congregation of Core,
with fury and wrath.
19 This the Lord saw, and it displeased


Ecclesiasticus.
153
he destroyed them that resisted, that the na-
tions might know all their strength, because
he fought in the sight of the Lord, and he
followed the Mighty One.
7. In the time of Moses also he did a
work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of
Jephunne, in that they withstood the congre-
gation, and withheld the people from sin,
and appeased the wicked murmuring.
8 And of six hundred thousand people
on foot, they two were preserved to bring
them into the heritage, even unto the land
that floweth with milk and honey.
9 The Lord gave strength also unto
Caleb, which remained with him unto his
old age : so that he entered upon the high
places of the land, and his seed obtained it
for. an heritage:
10 That all the children of Israel might
see that it is good to follow the Lord.
11 And concerning the judges, every one
by name, whose heart went not a whoring,
nor departed from the Lord, let their mem-
ory be blessed :
12 Let their bones flourish out of their
place, and let the name of them that were
honoured be continued upon their children.


Ecclesiasticus.
155
CHAPTER XLVII.
AND after him rose up Nathan to proph-
01 esy in the time of David.
2 As is the fat taken away from the peace
offering, so was David chosen out of the
· children of Israel.
3 He played with lions as with kids, and
with bears as with lambs.
4 Slew he not a giant, when he was yet
but young? and did he not take away
reproach from the people, when he lifted up
his hand with the stone in the sling, and
beat down the boasting of Goliath?
5 For he called upon the most high Lord;
and he gave him strength in his right hand
to slay that mighty warrior, and set up the
hořn of his people.
6 So the people honoured him with ten
thousands, and praised him in the blessings
of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of
glory.
7 For he destroyed the enemies on every
side, and brought to nought the Philistines
his adversaries, and brake their horn in sun-
der unto this day.


158
Ecclesiasticus.
and of his seed he left behind him Roboan,
even the foolishness of the people, and one
that had no understanding, who turned
away the people through his counsel. There
was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim
the way of sin:
24 And their sins were multiplied exceed-
ingly, that they were driven out of the land.
25 For they sought out all wickedness,
till the vengeance came upon them.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THEN stood up Elias the prophet as
fire, and his word burned like a lamp.
2 He brought a sore famine upon them,
and by his zeal he diminished their number.
3 By the word of the Lord he shut up
the heaven, and also three times brought
down fire.
4 O Elias, how wast thou honoured in
thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory
like unto thee!
5 Who didst raise up a dead man from
death, and his soul from the place of the
dead, by the word of the Most High:


Ecclesiasticus.
159
6 Who broughtest kings to destruction,
and honourable men from their bed :
7 Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord
in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment of
vengeance :
8 Who anointedst kings to take revenge,
and prophets to succeed after him :
9 Who wast taken up in a whirlwind of
fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses :
10 Who wast ordained for reproofs in
their times, to pacify the wrath of the
Lord's judgment, before it break forth into
fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto
the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
II Blessed are they that saw thee, and
slept in love ; 1 for we shall surely live.
12 Elias it was, who was covered with a
whirlwind : and Eliseus was filled with his
spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved
with the presence of any prince, neither could
any bring him into subjection.
13 No word could overcome him; and
after his death his body prophesied.
14 He did wonders in his life, and at his
death were his works marvellous.
15 For all this the people repented not,
neither departed they from their sins, till
i Or, were adorned with love.


160
Ecclesiasticus.
wudly.
they were spoiled and carried out of their
land, and were scattered through all the
earth: yet there remained a small people,
and a ruler in the house of David :
16 Of whom some did that which was
pleasing to God, and some multiplied sins.
17 Ezekias fortified his city, and brought
in water into the midst thereof: he digged
the hard rock with iron, and made wells for
waters.
18 In his time Sennacherib came up, and
sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand
against Sion, and boasted proudly.
19 Then trembled their hearts and hands,
and they were in pain, as women in travail.
20 But they called upon the Lord which
is merciful, and stretched out their hands
toward him: and immediately the Holy One
heard them out of heaven, and delivered
them by the ministry of Esay.
21 He smote the host of the Assyrians,
and his angel destroyed them.
22 For Ezekias had done the thing that
pleased the Lord, and was strong in the
ways of David his father, as Esay the
prophet, who was great and faithful in his
vision, had commanded him.


Ecclesiasticus.
161
23 In his time the sun went backward,
and he lengthened the king's life.
24. He saw by an excellent spirit what
should come to pass at the last, and he com-
forted them that mourned in Sion.
25 He shewed what should come to pass
for ever, and secret things or ever they
came.
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE remembrance of Josias is like the
1 composition of the perfume that is
made by the art of the apothecary: it is
sweet as honey in all mouths, and as music
at a banquet of wine.
2 He behaved himself uprightly in the
conversion of the people, and took away the
abominations of iniquity.
3 He directed his heart unto the Lord,
and in the time of the ungodly he established
the worship of God.
4 All, except David, and Ezekias, and
Josias, were defective: for they forsook the
law of the Most High, even the kings of
Juda failed.
5 Therefore he gave their power unto
others, and their glory to a strange nation.
II


Ecclesiasticus.
169
tion and deliveredst me from the evil time:
therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee,
and bless thy name, O Lord.
13 When I was yet young, or ever I went
abroad, I desired wisdom openly in my
prayer.
14 I prayed for her before the temple,
and will seek her out even to the end.
15 Even from the flower till the grape
was ripe hath my heart delighted in her:
my foot went the right way, from my youth
up sought I after her.
16 I bowed down mine ear a little, and
received her, and gat much learning.
17 I profited therein, therefore will I as-
cribe the glory unto him that giveth me
wisdom.
18 For I purposed to do after her, and
earnestly I followed that which is good ; so
shall I not be confounded.
19 My soul hath wrestled with her, and
in my doings I was exact: I stretched forth
my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed
my ignorances of her.
20 I directed my soul unto her, and I
found her in pureness: I have had my
heart joined with her from the beginning,
therefore shall I not be forsaken.


170
Ecclesiasticus.
21 My heart was troubled in seeking her :
therefore have I gotten a good possession.
22 The Lord hath given me a tongue for
my reward, and I will praise him therewith.
23 Draw near unto me, ye unlearned, and
dwell in the house of learning.
24 Wherefore are ye slow, and what say
ye of these things, seeing your souls are
very thirsty ?
25 I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her
for yourselves without money.
26 Put your neck under the yoke, and let
your soul receive instruction : she is hard at
hand to find.
27 Behold with your eyes, how that I
have had but little labour, and have gotten
unto me much rest.
28 Get learning with a great sum of
money, and get much gold by her.
29 Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and
be not ashamed of his praise.
30 Work your work betimes, and in his
time he will give you your reward.
Cambridge: Press of John Wilson & Son.





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