Ben Sira 12:1-9

1 When you do a good deed, make sure you know who is benefiting from it; then what you do will not be wasted. 1
2 You will be repaid for any kindness you show to a devout person. If he doesn't repay you, the Most High will.
3 No good ever comes to a person who gives comfort to the wicked; it is not a righteous act.
4 Give to religious people, but don't help sinners.
5 Do good to humble people, but don't give anything to those who are not devout. Don't give them food, or they will use your kindness against you. Every good thing you do for such people will bring you twice as much trouble in return.
6 The Most High himself hates sinners, and he will punish them.
7 Give to good people, but do not help sinners.
8 When things are going well, it is hard to tell who your real friends are, but in hard times you can recognize your enemies;
9 even your friends will leave you then. But when you are successful, your enemies will act like friends.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 12.1Matthew 7.6.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. what you do . . . wasted; [or] you will be thanked for what you do.
  • [b]. [Hebrew] gives . . . act; [Greek] makes evil a habit or refuses to give to the poor.
  • [c]. [Hebrew] act like friends; [Greek] be sorry.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.