Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 33
Interpreting the Law (Continued from chapter 32)
Sirach 33:1 No evil will ever come to a person who fears the Lord; however often danger comes, the Lord will come to the rescue.
Sirach 33:2 A person who has no use for the Law doesn't have good sense, and anyone who is insincere about it is going to be tossed about like a boat in a storm.
Sirach 33:3 If you are wise, you will believe in the Law; you will find it as reliable as the sacred lots.
Sirach 33:4 Prepare what you are going to say and people will listen to you. Use what you have learned before you start talking.
Sirach 33:5 A foolish person's mind works like a cartwheel, going round and round in circles.
Sirach 33:6 A sarcastic friend is like a wild horse that neighs no matter who tries to ride him.
Sirach 33:7 Why are some days holier than others, even though the same sun rises on every day of the year?
Sirach 33:8 It is because the Lord makes them different by setting them apart as religious holidays and festivals.
Sirach 33:9 He made some days holy and important, and made other days ordinary.
Sirach 33:10 Every human being was made from the earth, just as Adam was.
Sirach 33:11 But the Lord, in his wisdom, made them all different and gave them different tasks.
Sirach 33:12 He blessed some, making them honored and holy, keeping them near him. Others he cursed, humbling them and removing them from their positions.
Sirach 33:13 Just as clay is in the potter's hands for him to shape as he pleases, so we are in the hands of our Creator for him to do with as he wishes.
Sirach 33:14 Good is the opposite of evil, life is the opposite of death, and sin is the opposite of devotion to the Lord.
Sirach 33:15 Think about it: the Most High has made everything in pairs, each thing the opposite of something else.
Sirach 33:16 As for me, I have been the last to come on duty, as if going through vineyards to gather whatever the grape-picker had left behind. But the Lord blessed me, and I did well, like a grape-picker who has filled the wine press.
Sirach 33:17 But I want you to know that I have not done all this work for myself alone, but for everyone who wants to learn.
Sirach 33:18 Listen to me, all you great leaders! All you leaders of the assemblies, hear what I have to say!
Sirach 33:19 Never, as long as you live, give anyone power over you-whether son, wife, brother, or friend. Don't give your property to anyone; you might change your mind and have to ask for it back.
Sirach 33:20 As long as you have breath in your body, don't let anyone lead your life for you.
Sirach 33:21 It is better that your children be dependent on you than the other way around.
Sirach 33:22 Keep control over all that you do; don't let anything stain your reputation.
Sirach 33:23 Wait until the last moment of your life, when you are breathing your last, and then divide your property among your heirs.
Sirach 33:24 A donkey should be given its fodder and its burden, and it should be beaten. A slave should be given food and work, and should be disciplined.
Sirach 33:25 If you make your slave work, you can set your mind at ease. If you don't keep him busy, he will be looking for freedom.
Sirach 33:26 You can use a harness and yoke to tame an animal, and a slave can be tortured in the stocks.
Sirach 33:27 Keep him at work, and don't let him be idle; idleness can only teach him how to make trouble.
Sirach 33:28 Work is what he needs. If he won't obey you, put him in chains.
Sirach 33:29 But don't be too severe with anyone, and never be unfair.
Sirach 33:30 If you have a slave, treat him as you would want to be treated; you bought him with your hard-earned money.
Sirach 33:31 Treat him as a brother; you need him as you need yourself. If you mistreat him and he runs away, where are you going to look for him?