Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 29

29:1

He who shows mercy will lend to his neighbour.

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29:2

Lend to your neighbour in time of his need.

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29:3

Confirm your word, and keep faith with him;

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29:4

Many have considered a loan to be a windfall,

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29:5

Until he has received, he will kiss a man’s hands.

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29:6

If he prevails, the creditor will hardly receive half;

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29:7

Many on account of fraud have turned away.

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29:8

However be patient with a man in poor estate.

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29:9

Help a poor man for the commandment’s sake.

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29:10

Lose your money for a brother and a friend.

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29:11

Allocate your treasure according to the commandments of the Most High

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29:12

Store up almsgiving in your store-chambers

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29:13

It will fight for you against your enemy

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29:14

A good man will be surety for his neighbour.

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29:15

Don’t forget the kindness of your guarantor,

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29:16

A sinner will waste the property of his guarantor.

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29:17

He who is thankless will fail him who delivered him.

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29:18

Being surety has undone many who were prospering

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29:19

A sinner who falls into suretiship and undertakes contracts for work

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29:20

Help your neighbour according to your power,

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29:21

The essentials of life are water, bread,

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29:22

Better is the life of a poor man under a shelter of logs

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29:23

With little or with much, be well satisfied.

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29:24

It is a miserable life to go from house to house.

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29:25

You will entertain, serve drinks, and have no thanks.

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29:26

“Come here, you sojourner, set a table,

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29:27

“Leave, you sojourner, for an honoured guest is here.

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29:28

These things are grievous to a man of understanding:

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