Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 27

27:1

Many have sinned for profit.

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27:2

As a nail will stick fast between the joinings of stones,

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27:3

Unless a person holds on diligently to the fear of the Lord,

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27:4

In the shaking of a sieve, the refuse remains,

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27:5

The furnace tests the potter’s vessels;

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27:6

The fruit of a tree discloses its cultivation,

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27:7

Praise no man before you hear his thoughts,

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27:8

If you follow righteousness, you will obtain it,

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27:9

Birds will return to their own kind,

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27:10

The lion lies in wait for prey.

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27:11

The discourse of a godly man is always wise,

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27:12

Limit your time amongst people void of understanding,

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27:13

The talk of fools is offensive.

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27:14

Their talk with much swearing makes hair stand upright.

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27:15

The strife of the proud leads to bloodshed.

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27:16

He who reveals secrets destroys trust,

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27:17

Love a friend, and keep faith with him;

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27:18

for as a man has destroyed his enemy,

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27:19

As a bird which you have released out of your hand,

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27:20

Don’t pursue him, for he has gone far away,

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27:21

For a wound may be bound up, and after abuse there may be reconciliation;

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27:22

One who winks the eye contrives evil things;

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27:23

When you are present, he will speak sweetly,

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27:24

I have hated many things, but nothing like him.

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27:25

One who casts a stone straight up casts it on his own head.

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27:26

He who digs a pit will fall into it.

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27:27

He who does evil things, they will roll back upon him,

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27:28

Mockery and reproach are from the arrogant.

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27:29

Those who rejoice at the fall of the godly will be caught in a snare.

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27:30

Wrath and anger, these also are abominations.

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