Wisdom of Sirach 11
1Wisdom lifts up the head of him that is of low degree, and makes him to sit among great men.
2Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his outward appearance.
3The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the chief of sweet things.
4Boast not of your clothing and raiment, and exalt not yourself in the day of honor: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men are hidden.
5Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thought of has worn the crown.
6Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honorable delivered into other men's hands.
7Blame not before you have examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.
8Answer not before you have heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
9Strive not in a matter that concerns you not; and sit not in judgment with sinners.
10My son, meddle not with many matters: for if you meddle much, you shall not be innocent; and if you follow after, you shall not obtain, neither shall you escape by fleeing.
11There is one that labores, and takes pains, and makes haste, and is so much the more behind.
12Again, there is another that is slow, and has need of help, lacking ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,
13And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the
14Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord.
15Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.
16Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.
17The gift of the Lord remains with the ungodly, and his favor brings prosperity for ever.
18There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching, and this his the portion of his reward:
19Whereas he says, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knows not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.
20Be stedfast in your covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old in your work.
21Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in your labor: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.
22The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he makes his blessing flourish.
23Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter?
24Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and what evil shall I have hereafter?
25In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity.
26For it is an easy thing to the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his ways.
27The affliction of an hour makes a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be discovered.
28Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known in his children.
29Bring not every man into your house: for the deceitful man has many trains.
30Like as a partridge taken and kept in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watches he for your fall:
31For he lies in wait, and turns good into evil, and in things worthy praise will lay blame upon you.
32Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man lays wait for blood.
33Take heed of a mischievous man, for he works wickedness; lest he bring upon you a perpetual blot.
34Receive a stranger into your house, and he will disturb you, and turn you out of your own.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 11:0