Ben Sira 33:1-8

1 No evil will befall the one who fears the Lord, but in trials such a one will be rescued again and again.

2 The wise will not hate the law, but the one who is hypocritical about it is like a boat in a storm.

3 The sensible person will trust in the law; for such a one the law is as dependable as a divine oracle.

4 Prepare what to say, and then you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and give your answer.

5 The heart of a fool is like a cart wheel, and his thoughts like a turning axle.

6 A mocking friend is like a stallion that neighs no matter who the rider is.

7 Why is one day more important than another, when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?

8 By the Lord's wisdom they were distinguished, and he appointed the different seasons and festivals.