Ben Sira 31:4-14

4 The poor person toils to make a meager living, and if ever he rests he becomes needy.
5 One who loves gold will not be justified; one who pursues money will be led astray by it.
6 Many have come to ruin because of gold, and their destruction has met them face to face.
7 It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it, and every fool will be taken captive by it.
8 Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless, and who does not go after gold.
9 Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders among his people.
10 Who has been tested by it and been found perfect? Let it be for him a ground for boasting. Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress, and to do evil and did not do it?
11 His prosperity will be established, and the assembly will proclaim his acts of charity.
12 Are you seated at the table of the great? Do not be greedy at it, and do not say, "How much food there is here!"
13 Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing. What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore it sheds tears for any reason.
14 Do not reach out your hand for everything you see, and do not crowd your neighbor at the dish.

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Heb Syr: Gk [pursues destruction will be filled]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities add [because of this]
  • [c]. Heb Syr: Gk [at a great table]
  • [d]. Gk [him]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.