Wisdom of Sirach 19
1A laboring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemns small things shall fall by little and little.
2Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaves to harlots will become impudent.
3Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be taken away.
4He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sins shall offend against his own soul.
5Whoso takes pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resists pleasures crowns his life.
6He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hates babbling shall have less evil.
7Rehearse not to another that which is told to you, and you shall fare never the worse.
8Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if you can without offense, reveal them not.
9For he heard and observed you, and when time comes he will hate you.
10If you have heard a word, let it die with you; and be bold, it will not burst you.
11A fool travails with a word, as a woman in labor of a child.
12As an arrow that sticks in a man's thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.
13Admonish a friend, it may be he has not done it: and if he have done it, that he do it no more.
14Admonish your friend, it may be he has not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again.
15Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.
16There is one that slips in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that has not offended with his tongue?
17Admonish your neighbor before you threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
18The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted of him, and wisdom obtains his love.
19The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.
20The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
21If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleases you; though afterward he do it, he angers him that nourishes him.
22The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.
23There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there is a fool lacking in wisdom.
24He that has small understanding, and fears God, is better than one that has much wisdom, and transgresses the law of the most High.
25There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turns aside to make judgment appear; and there is a wise man that justifies in judgment.
26There is a wicked man that hangs down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,
27Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do you a mischief before you be aware.
28And if for lack of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he finds opportunity he will do evil.
29A man may be known by his look, and one that has understanding by his countenance, when you meet him.
30A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, show what he is.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 19:0