Ben Sira 40:22-30

22 Thine eye desireth favor and beauty, but more than both corn while it is green.
23 A friend and companion never meet amiss, but above both is a wife with her husband.
24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble, but alms shall deliver more than them both.
25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure, but counsel is esteemed above them both.
26 Riches and strength lift up the heart, but the fear of the Lord is above them both. There is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.
28 My son, lead not a beggar's life, for better it is to die than to beg.
29 The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life, for he polluteth himself with other men's meat; but a wise man well-nurtured will beware thereof.
30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless, but in his belly there shall burn a fire.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.