Ben Sira 14:1-7

1 If a person never says anything carelessly, he is to be congratulated; he doesn't need to feel guilty.

2 If a person has a clear conscience and never gives up hope, he is certainly to be congratulated!

3 It isn't right for someone who is selfish to be rich. What use is money to a stingy person?

4 If you deny yourself in order to accumulate wealth, you are only accumulating it for someone else. Others will use your riches to live in luxury.

5 How can you be generous with others if you are stingy with yourself, if you are not willing to enjoy your own wealth?

6 No one is worse off than someone who is stingy with himself; it is a sin that brings its own punishment.

7 When such a person does something good, it is only by accident; his selfishness will sooner or later be evident.