Sir 31
1
The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.
2
Whoso regards dreams is like him whom catches at a shadow, and follows after the wind.
3
The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness
of a face to a face.
4
Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what
truth can come?
5
Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancies, as a woman’s
heart in travail.
6
If they be not sent from the most High in your visitation, set not your heart upon
them.
7
For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.
8
The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful
mouth.
9
A man that has traveled knows many things; and he who has much experience will declare
wisdom.
10
He who has no experience knows little: but he who has traveled is full of prudence.
11
When I traveled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.
12
I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
13
The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him whom saves
them.
14
Whoso fears the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.
15
Blessed is the soul of him whom fears the Lord: to whom does he look? and who is his
strength?
16
For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection
and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation
from stumbling, and an help from falling.
17
He raises up the soul, and lightens the eyes: he gives health, life, and blessing.
18
He who sacrifices of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the
gifts of unjust men are not accepted.
19
The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified
for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.
20
Whoso brings an offering of the goods of the poor does as one that kills the son before
his father’s eyes.
21
The bread of the needy is their life: he who defrauds him thereof is a man of blood.
22
He who takes away his neighbour’s living slays him; and he who defrauds the labourer
of his hire is a bloodshedder.
23
When one builds, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
24
When one prays, and another curses, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25
He who washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what
avails his washing?
26
So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goes again, and does the same:
who will hear his prayer? or what does his humbling profit him?