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Giovedi, 28 marzo 2024 - San Castore di Tarso ( Letture di oggi)

Sirach 33


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1No evil can harm the man who fears the LORD; through trials, again and again he is safe.2He who hates the law is without wisdom, and is tossed about like a boat in a storm.3The prudent man trusts in the word of the LORD, and the law is dependable for him as a divine oracle.4Prepare your words and you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and then give your answer.5Like the wheel of a cart is the mind of a fool; his thoughts revolve in circles.6A fickle friend is like the stallion that neighs, no matter who the rider.7Why is one day more important than another, when it is the sun that lights up every day?8It is due to the LORD'S wisdom that they differ; it is through him the seasons and feasts come and go.9Some he dignifies and sanctifies, and others he lists as ordinary days.10So too, all men are of clay, for from earth man was formed;11Yet with his great knowledge the LORD makes men unlike; in different paths he has them walk.12Some he blesses and makes great, some he sanctifies and draws to himself. Others he curses and brings low, and expels them from their place.13Like clay in the hands of a potter, to be molded according to his pleasure, So are men in the hands of their Creator, to be assigned by him their function.14As evil contrasts with good, and death with life, so are sinners in contrast with the just;15See now all the works of the Most High: they come in pairs, the one the opposite of the other.16Now I am the last to keep vigil, like a gleaner after the vintage;17Since by the LORD'S blessing I have made progress till like a vintager I have filled my wine press,18I would inform you that not for myself only have I toiled, but for every seeker after wisdom.19Listen to me, O leaders of the multitude; O rulers of the assembly, give ear!20Let neither son nor wife, neither brother nor friend, have power over you as long as you live.21While breath of life is still in you, let no man have dominion over you. Give not to another your wealth, lest then you have to plead with him;22Far better that your children plead with you than that you should look to their generosity.23Keep control over all your affairs; let no one tarnish your glory.24When your few days reach their limit, at the time of death distribute your inheritance.25Fodder and whip and loads for an ass; the yoke and harness and the rod of his master.26Make a slave work and he will look for his rest; let his hands be idle and he will seek to be free.27Food, correction and work for a slave; and for a wicked slave, punishment in the stocks.28Force him to work that he be not idle, for idleness is an apt teacher of mischief.29Put him to work, for that is what befits him; if he becomes unruly, load him with chains.30But never lord it over any human being, and do nothing unjust.31If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself, for you have acquired him with your life's blood;32If you have but one slave, deal with him as a brother, for you need him as you need your life:33If you mistreat him and he runs away, in what direction will you look for him?