Sirach 3:17-24

Humility and charity

17 My child, conduct your affairs with gentleness, and you will be loved more than a person of good repute.

18 However great you become, humble yourself more, and you will find favor before the Lord, and he is glorified by the humble.

20 because the Lord's power is great,

21 Don't seek out things that are too difficult for you, and don't investigate matters too perplexing for you.

22 Think about what you have been commanded, because you have no need for matters that are hidden.

23 Don't meddle in things beyond your own affairs since you have already been shown things beyond human understanding.

24 Speculation has led many people astray, and false conjectures have weakened their thoughts.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb a person who gives
• [b]. LXXb adds 3:19 Many are lofty and of high repute, but to the gentle he reveals his secrets.
• [c]. LXXb adds 3:25 If you have no pupils, you will be at a loss for light, and if you are without knowledge, don’t exult in it.