Sirach 21

NEW JERUSALEM	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 My child, have you sinned? Do so no more, and ask forgiveness for your previous faults.	1 Son, have you sinned? You should not add further sins. Then too, for your former sins, pray so that they may be forgiven you.
2 Flee from sin as from a snake, if you approach it, it wil bite you; its teeth are lion's teeth, they takehuman life away.	2 Flee from sins, as if from the face of a serpent. For if you approach them, they will take hold of you.
3 Al law-breaking is like a two-edged sword, the wounds it inflicts are beyond cure.	3 Their teeth are like the teeth of a lion, bringing death to the souls of men.
4 Terror and violence make havoc of riches, similarly, desolation overtakes the houses of the proud.	4 All iniquity is like a two-edged spear; there is no healing in its wound.
5 A plea from the mouth of the poor goes straight to the ear of God, whose judgement comes withoutdelay.	5 Reproach and injury will make resources useless. And a house that is exceedingly wealthy will become powerless through pride. In this way, the resources of the arrogant will be eradicated.
6 Whoever resents reproof walks in the sinner's footsteps; whoever fears the Lord is repentant of heart.	6 Supplications from the mouth of the pauper will reach all the way to the ears of God, and judgment will come to him quickly.
7 The glib speaker is known far and wide, but the wary detects every slip.	7 Whoever hates correction is walking in the steps of a sinner. But whoever fears God will convert within his heart.
8 To build your house with other people's money is like collecting stones for your own tomb.	8 He who has power by means of a bold tongue will be known from far away. But an understanding man knows to slip past him.
9 A meeting of the lawless is like a heap of tow: they wil end in a blazing fire.	9 Whoever builds his house, paid for by another, is like one who gathers his building stones in winter.
10 The sinner's road is smoothly paved, but it ends at the pit of Sheol.	10 The synagogue of sinners is like stubble piled up; for the end of them both is a burning fire.
11 Whoever keeps the Law wil master his instincts; the fear of the Lord is made perfect in wisdom.	11 The way of sinners is paved and level, and at their end is hell and darkness and punishments.
12 No one who lacks aptitude can be taught, but certain aptitudes give rise to bitterness.	12 Whoever observes justice will obtain an understanding of it.
13 The sage's knowledge is as rich as the abyss and his advice is like a living spring.	13 The consummation of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.
14 The heart of a fool is like a broken jar, it will not hold any knowledge.	14 One who is not wise in goodness will not accept instruction.
15 If the educated hears a wise saying, he praises it and caps it with another; if a debauchee hears it, hedoes not like it and tosses it behind his back.	15 Now there is a wisdom which abounds in evil. But there is no understanding where there is bitterness.
16 The talk of a fool is like a load on a journey, but it is a pleasure to listen to the intelligent.	16 The knowledge of the wise will increase like a flood, and his counsel will continue like a fountain of life.
17 The utterance of the shrewd wil be eagerly awaited in the assembly, what he says wil be givenserious consideration.	17 The heart of the foolish is like a broken vessel, for it will not hold any wisdom.
18 The wisdom of a fool is like the wreckage of a house, the knowledge of a dolt is incoherent talk.	18 A knowledgeable man will praise any wise word he hears, and he will apply it to himself. The self-indulgent man has heard it, and it displeases him, and so he casts it behind his back.
19 To the senseless fel ow instruction is like fetters on the feet, like manacles on the right hand.	19 The talk of the foolish is like a burden on a journey. But in the lips of the understanding, grace will be found.
20 A fool laughs at the top of his voice, but the intel igent quietly smiles.	20 The mouth of the prudent is sought in the Church, and they will consider his words in their hearts.
21 To the shrewd instruction is like a golden ornament, like a bracelet on the right arm.	21 Like a house which has been demolished, so is wisdom to the foolish. And the knowledge of the unwise is like meaningless words.
22 The step of a fool goes straight into a house, but a person of much experience makes a respectfulapproach;	22 Doctrine to the senseless is like fetters on the feet, and like chains on the right hand.
23 the stupid peeps inside through the door, a well-bred person waits outside.	23 A foolish man lifts up his voice in laughter. But a wise man will not even laugh quietly to himself.
24 Listening at doors is a sign of bad upbringing, the perceptive would be ashamed to do so.	24 Doctrine is to the prudent like a gold ornament, and like an armband on the right arm.
25 The lips of gossips repeat the words of others, the words of the wise are careful y weighed.	25 The feet of the foolish step easily into his neighbor’s house. But an experienced man will be apprehensive in the presence of the powerful.
26 The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.	26 A senseless man will gaze through a window into the house. But a man who has been well-taught will stand outside.
27 When the godless curses Satan, he is cursing himself.	27 It is foolish for a man to listen through the door. And a prudent man will be grieved at this disgrace.
28 The scandal-monger sul ies himself and earns the hatred of the neighbourhood.	28 The lips of the imprudent will describe senseless things. But the words of the prudent will be weighed on a balance.
	29 The hearts of the foolish are in their mouths. But the mouths of the wise are with their hearts.
	30 Whenever the impious curse the devil, they curse their own soul.
	31 Those who whisper accusations defile their own souls, and they will be hated by all. And whoever abides with them will be hateful. The silent and understanding man will be honored.