Ecclesiasticus 40

VULGATA	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Occupatio magna creata est omnibus hominibus, et jugum grave super filios Adam, a die exitus de ventre matris eorum usque in diem sepulturæ in matrem omnium.	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 Cogitationes eorum, et timores cordis, adinventio exspectationis, et dies finitionis,	2 His thoughts, the fear in his heart, and his troubled forebodings till the day he dies--
3 a residente super sedem gloriosam, usque ad humiliatum in terra et cinere :	3 Whether he sits on a lofty throne or grovels in dust and ashes,
4 ab eo qui utitur hyacintho et portat coronam, usque ad eum qui operitur lino crudo : furor, zelus, tumultus, fluctuatio, et timor mortis, iracundia perseverans, et contentio :	4 Whether he bears a splendid crown or is wrapped in the coarsest of cloaks--
5 et in tempore refectionis in cubili, somnus noctis immutat scientiam ejus.	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 Modicum tamquam nihil in requie, et ab eo in somnis, quasi in die respectus.	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 Conturbatus est in visu cordis sui, tamquam qui evaserit in die belli : in tempore salutis suæ exsurrexit, et admirans ad nullum timorem :	7 As he reaches safety, he wakes up astonished that there was nothing to fear.
8 cum omni carne, ab homine usque ad pecus, et super peccatores septuplum.	8 So it is with all flesh, with man and with beast, but for sinners seven times more.
9 Ad hæc mors, sanguis, contentio, et rhomphæa, oppressiones, fames, et contritio, et flagella :	9 Plague and bloodshed, wrath and the sword, plunder and ruin, famine and death:
10 super iniquos creata sunt hæc omnia : et propter illos factus est cataclysmus.	10 For the wicked, these were created evil, and it is they who bring on destruction.
11 Omnia quæ de terra sunt in terram convertentur, et omnes aquæ in mare revertentur.	11 All that is of earth returns to earth, and what is from above returns above.
12 Omne munus et iniquitas delebitur, et fides in sæculum stabit.	12 All that comes from bribes or injustice will be wiped out, but loyalty remains for ages.
13 Substantiæ injustorum sicut fluvius siccabuntur, et sicut tonitruum magnum in pluvia personabunt.	13 Wealth out of wickedness is like a wadi in spate: like a mighty stream with lightning and thunder,
14 In aperiendo manus suas lætabitur : sic prævaricatores in consummatione tabescent.	14 Which, in its rising, rolls along the stones, but suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end.
15 Nepotes impiorum non multiplicabunt ramos : et radices immundæ super cacumen petræ sonant.	15 The offshoot of violence will not flourish, for the root of the godless is on sheer rock;
16 Super omnem aquam viriditas, et ad oram fluminis ante omne f?num evelletur.	16 Or they are like reeds on the riverbank, withered before all other plants;
17 Gratia sicut paradisus in benedictionibus, et misericordia in sæculum permanet.	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 Vita sibi sufficientis operarii condulcabitur, et in ea invenies thesaurum.	18 A child or a city will preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
19 Filii et ædificatio civitatis confirmabit nomen : et super hæc mulier immaculata computabitur.	19 Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing health; but better than either, a devoted wife;
20 Vinum et musica lætificant cor : et super utraque dilectio sapientiæ.	20 Wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal love.
21 Tibiæ et psalterium suavem faciunt melodiam : et super utraque lingua suavis.	21 The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
22 Gratiam et speciem desiderabit oculus tuus : et super hæc virides sationes.	22 Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
23 Amicus et sodalis in tempore convenientes, et super utrosque mulier cum viro.	23 A friend, a neighbor, are timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife.
24 Fratres in adjutorium in tempore tribulationis : et super eos misericordia liberabit.	24 A brother, a helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity that rescues.
25 Aurum et argentum est constitutio pedum : et super utrumque consilium beneplacitum.	25 Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
26 Facultates et virtutes exaltant cor, et super hæc timor Domini.	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 Non est in timore Domini minoratio : et non est in eo inquirere adjutorium.	27 The fear of God is a paradise of blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.
28 Timor Domini sicut paradisus benedictionis, et super omnem gloriam operuerunt illum.	28 My son, live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg;
29 Fili, in tempore vitæ tuæ ne indigeas : melius est enim mori quam indigere.	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 Vir respiciens in mensam alienam, non est vita ejus in cogitatione victus : alit enim animam suam cibis alienis :	30 In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
31 vir autem disciplinatus et eruditus custodiet se.
32 In ore imprudentis condulcabitur inopia, et in ventre ejus ignis ardebit.