Sirach 11

1 The wisdom of humble people raises up their heads, and it will seat them among officials.
2 Don't praise people for their beautiful looks, and don't despise people for their appearance.
3 The bee is small among flying creatures, but its produce is the origin of everything sweet.
4 Don't take pride in the way you dress, and don't promote yourself when you are being honored, because the Lord's works are wonderful, and his works are hidden from humans.
5 Many tyrants have sat on the ground, and one who was never expected to rule has worn a crown.
6 Many rulers have been completely dishonored, and those once held in honor have been handed over to others.

On deliberation

7 Don't find fault before you investigate; consider first, and then reprimand.
8 Don't answer before you listen, and don't interrupt someone who is speaking.
9 Don't argue about something that doesn't matter to you, and don't deliberate in a court case between sinners.
10 My child, don't be busy with many things; if you multiply pursuits, you won't be held guiltless. If you pursue them, you won't overtake them, and when you flee, you won't escape.
11 Some people work hard, struggle, and hurry— and end up even more deeply in need.
12 Others are sluggish and need support, lacking strength and immersed in poverty. The Lord has looked upon them with kindness, and has restored them from their low position.
13 He has raised up their heads, and many have been amazed at them.
14 Good things and bad, life and death, poverty and wealth come from the Lord.
17 The Lord's gift remains with the godly, and his favor will always bring success.
18 Some become rich from diligence and greed, and this is part of their reward: will come
19 When they say, "I've found rest, and now I'll eat of my good things," they don't know when the time when they will leave these things to others and die.
20 Stand by your agreement, devote attention to accomplishing it, and grow old in your work.
21 Don't be amazed at the works of sinners, but trust in the Lord and continue your work, because it is easy in God's sight to make the poor person quickly and suddenly rich.
22 The Lord's blessing is part of the godly person's wages, and God's good pleasure causes a person to flourish very quickly.
23 Don't say, "What do I need? What good things will be mine from now on?"
24 Don't say, "I have enough. What harm can come upon me from now on?"
25 At a time of prosperity, adversity is forgotten, and at a time of adversity, prosperity is not remembered.
26 It is easy for the Lord to pay back people according to their ways in the hour of death.
27 An hour of misery makes one forget luxury; the end of a person's life reveals his or her deeds.
28 Don't call anyone happy before their death; people are known through their children.

Friends and associates

29 Don't bring just anyone into your house, because deceitful people set many ambushes.
30 The hearts of arrogant people are like decoy birds in a cage; and like spies they will observe your downfall.
31 They set up ambushes and turn good into bad; they place blame on praiseworthy actions.
32 From a fire's spark come many coals, and sinful people plot and connive to shed blood.
33 Beware of evildoers, for they plan evil things, and they might bring lasting disgrace upon you.
34 If you allow strangers to live with you, they will twist you around in confusion and make you a stranger to your own family.

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. Heb Don’t mock someone wearing a linen undergarment, and don’t make fun of someone in bitter circumstances.
  • [b]. LXXb adds 11:15–16 Wisdom and knowledge and understanding of the law are from the Lord; love and the ways of good works come from him. Error and darkness were created together with sinners, and evil grows old along with those who exult in evil.
  • [c]. Heb self-denial
  • [d]. Heb A person is known by the way he or she dies.
  • [e]. Heb weakness
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible