Ben Sira 21:1-6

1 Have you sinned, my child? Do so no more, but ask forgiveness for your past sins.

2 Flee from sin as from a snake; for if you approach sin, it will bite you. Its teeth are lion's teeth, and can destroy human lives.

3 All lawlessness is like a two-edged sword; there is no healing for the wound it inflicts.

4 Panic and insolence will waste away riches; thus the house of the proud will be laid waste.

5 The prayer of the poor goes from their lips to the ears of God, and his judgment comes speedily.

6 Those who hate reproof walk in the sinner's steps, but those who fear the Lord repent in their heart.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities read [uprooted]
• [b]. Gk [his ears]