Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 11

11:1

The wisdom of the lowly will lift up his head,

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11:2

Don’t commend a man for his good looks.

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11:3

The bee is little amongst flying creatures,

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11:4

Don’t boast about the clothes you wear,

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11:5

Many kings have sat down upon the ground,

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11:6

Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced.

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11:7

Don’t blame before you investigate.

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11:8

Don’t answer before you have heard.

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11:9

Don’t argue about a matter that doesn’t concern you.

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11:10

My son, don’t be busy about many matters;

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11:11

There is one who toils, labours, and hurries,

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11:12

There is one who is sluggish, and needs help,

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11:13

and lifted up his head

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11:14

Good things and bad, life and death,

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11:17

The Lord’s gift remains with the godly.

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11:18

One grows rich by his diligence and self-denial,

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11:19

when he says, “I have found rest,

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11:20

Be steadfast in your covenant and be doing it,

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11:21

Don’t marvel at the works of a sinner,

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11:22

The Lord’s blessing is in the reward of the godly.

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11:23

Don’t say, “What use is there of me?

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11:24

Don’t say, “I have enough.

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11:25

In the day of good things, bad things are forgotten.

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11:26

For it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord

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11:27

The affliction of an hour causes delights to be forgotten.

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11:28

Call no man happy before his death.

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11:29

Don’t bring every man into your house,

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11:30

Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of a proud man.

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11:31

For he lies in wait to turn things that are good into evil,

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11:32

From a spark of fire, a heap of many coals is kindled,

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11:33

Take heed of an evil-doer, for he plans wicked things,

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11:34

Receive a stranger into your house, and he will distract you with arguments

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