Sirach 40

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.	1 A great anxiety has God allotted, and a heavy yoke, to the sons of men; From the day one leaves his mother's womb to the day he returns to the mother of all the living,
2 Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;	2 His thoughts, the fear in his heart, and his troubled forebodings till the day he dies--
3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;	3 Whether he sits on a lofty throne or grovels in dust and ashes,
4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.	4 Whether he bears a splendid crown or is wrapped in the coarsest of cloaks--
5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.	5 Are of wrath and envy, trouble and dread, terror of death, fury and strife. Even when he lies on his bed to rest, his cares at night disturb his sleep.
6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.	6 So short is his rest it seems like none, till in his dreams he struggles as he did by day, Terrified by what his mind's eye sees, like a fugitive being pursued;
7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.	7 As he reaches safety, he wakes up astonished that there was nothing to fear.
8 [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.	8 So it is with all flesh, with man and with beast, but for sinners seven times more.
9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;	9 Plague and bloodshed, wrath and the sword, plunder and ruin, famine and death:
10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.	10 For the wicked, these were created evil, and it is they who bring on destruction.
11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.	11 All that is of earth returns to earth, and what is from above returns above.
12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.	12 All that comes from bribes or injustice will be wiped out, but loyalty remains for ages.
13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.	13 Wealth out of wickedness is like a wadi in spate: like a mighty stream with lightning and thunder,
14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.	14 Which, in its rising, rolls along the stones, but suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end.
15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.	15 The offshoot of violence will not flourish, for the root of the godless is on sheer rock;
16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.	16 Or they are like reeds on the riverbank, withered before all other plants;
17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.	17 But goodness will never be cut off, and justice endures forever. Wealth or wages can make life sweet, but better than either is finding a treasure.
18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.	18 A child or a city will preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
19 Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.	19 Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing health; but better than either, a devoted wife;
20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.	20 Wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal love.
21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.	21 The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.	22 Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.	23 A friend, a neighbor, are timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife.
24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.	24 A brother, a helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity that rescues.
25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.	25 Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.	26 Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than either, fear of God. Fear of the LORD leaves nothing wanting; he who has it need seek no other support:
27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.	27 The fear of God is a paradise of blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.
28 My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.	28 My son, live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg;
29 The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.	29 When one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life. His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings:
30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.	30 In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.