Wisdom of Sirach 27
1Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeks for abundance will turn his eyes away.
2As a nail sticks fast between the joinings of the stones; so does sin stick close between buying and selling.
3Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.
4As when one sifts with a sieve, the refuse remains; so the filth of man in his talk.
5The furnace proves the potter's vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.
6The fruit declares if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.
7Praise no man before you hear him speak; for this is the trial of men.
8If you follow righteousness, you shall obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.
9The birds will resort to their like; so will truth return to them that practise in her.
10As the lion lies in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity.
11The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changes as the moon.
12If you be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding.
13The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.
14The talk of him that swears much makes the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.
15The strife of the proud is blood shedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.
16Whoso discovers secrets loses his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.
17Love your friend, and be faithful to him: but if you betray his secrets, follow no more after him.
18For as a man has destroyed his enemy; so have you lost the love of your neighbor.
19As one that lets a bird go out of his hand, so have you let your neighbor go, and shall not get him again
20Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.
21As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrays secrets is without hope.
22He that winks with the eyes works evil: and he that knows him will depart from him.
23When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander your sayings.
24I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.
25Whoso casts a stone on high casts it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.
26Whoso digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that sets a trap shall be taken therein.
27He that works mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it comes.
28Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.
29They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.
30Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 27:0