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