Ben Sira 11:4

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.

Ben Sira 11:4 In-Context

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.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] Don't . . . rags; [Greek] Don't take pride in fine clothes, and don't let compliments go to your head.