Ben Sira 25:1-11

1 WITH three things my spirit is pleased, which are approved before God and men:
2 The concord of brethren, and the love of neighbours, and mall and wife that agree well together.
3 Three sorts my soul hateth, and I am greatly grieved at their life:
4 A poor man that is proud: a rich man that is a liar: an old man that is a fool, and doting.
5 The things that thou hast not gathered in thy youth, how shalt thou find them in thy old age?
6 O how comely is judgment for a grey head, and for ancients to know counsel!
7 O how comely is wisdom for the aged, and understanding and counsel to men of honour!
8 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.
9 Nine things that are not to be imagined by the heart have I magnified, and the tenth I will utter to men with my tongue.
10 A man that hath joy of his children: and he that liveth and seeth the fall of his enemies.
11 Blessed is he. that dwelleth with a wise woman, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served such as are unworthy of him.
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