Ben Sira 4:1-8

1 My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long.

2 Make not a hungry soul sorrowful, neither provoke a man in his distress.

3 Add not more trouble to a heart that is vexed, and defer not to give to him that is in need.

4 Reject not the supplication of the afflicted, neither turn away thy face from a poor man.

5 Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him no occasion to curse thee;

6 for if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard by Him that made him.

7 Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to great man.

8 Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.