Ben Sira 11:1-9

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.

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.