Sirach 12:1-9

1 If you do good, know for whom you do it, and there'll be gratitude for your good deeds.
2 Do good to the godly, and you will find a reward, and if not from them, then from the Most High.
3 There is nothing good for those who continue to do evil or for those who don't freely offer charity.
4 Give to the pious, but don't assist sinners.
5 Do good to the humble, but don't give to the ungodly. Hold back your bread, and don't give it to them, since by it they might gain power over you. You will encounter twice as much evil for all the good things that you have done for them.
6 The Most High also hated sinners, and he will repay the ungodly with punishment.
7 Give to good people, and don't assist sinners.
8 A friend is not avenged in prosperity, and an enemy is not hidden in adversity. their enemies are in pain, and when they meet with adversity, even friends will keep away.
9 When people are prosperous,

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. LXXb adds and he is keeping them for the time of their punishment.
  • [b]. Heb is not recognized
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible