Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 34

34:1

Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding.

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34:2

As one who grasps at a shadow and follows after the wind,

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34:3

The vision of dreams is a reflection,

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34:4

From an unclean thing what can be cleansed?

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34:5

Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain.

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34:6

If they are not sent in a visitation from the Most High,

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34:7

For dreams have led many astray.

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34:8

Without lying the law will be fulfilled.

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34:9

A well-instructed man knows many things.

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34:10

He who has no experience knows few things.

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34:11

I have seen many things in my travels.

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34:12

I was often in danger even to death.

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34:13

The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live,

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34:14

Whoever fears the Lord won’t be afraid, and won’t be a coward,

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34:15

Blessed is the soul of him who fears the Lord.

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34:16

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him,

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34:17

He raises up the soul, and enlightens the eyes.

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34:18

He who sacrifices a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery.

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34:19

The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly,

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34:20

Like one who kills a son before his father’s eyes

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34:21

The bread of the needy is the life of the poor.

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34:22

Like one who murders his neighbour is he who takes away his living.

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34:23

When one builds, and another pulls down,

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34:24

When one prays, and another curses,

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34:25

He who washes himself after touching a dead body, and touches it again,

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34:26

Even so a man fasting for his sins,

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