Ben Sira 11:1-10

1 If a poor person is wise, he has good reason to be proud, and he will be thought of as someone great.
2 Do not compliment a person on his good looks. On the other hand, do not look down on someone who is unattractive.
3 Compared to most flying things, a bee is very small, but the honey it makes is the sweetest of foods.
4 Don't make fun of someone who has fallen on hard times and is dressed in rags. The Lord does wonderful things that human beings never notice.
5 Many are the kings who have ended their careers sitting on the ground, while their crowns were worn by those no one had heard of before.
6 Many are the rulers who have suffered disgrace. Many are the famous people who have fallen into the power of others.
7 Before you start criticizing, get your facts straight and think the matter through.
8 Don't interrupt while someone is speaking; hear what he has to say before you answer.
9 Don't get into an argument over something that is none of your business. Don't take part in decisions that are being made by sinners.
10 My child, don't get involved in too many things. If you try to do too much, you will suffer for it. You won't be able to finish your work, and you won't be able to get away from it either.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] Don't . . . rags; [Greek] Don't take pride in fine clothes, and don't let compliments go to your head.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.