Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 4

4:1

My son, don’t deprive the poor of his living.

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4:2

Don’t make a hungry soul sorrowful,

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4:3

Don’t add more trouble to a heart that is provoked.

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4:4

Don’t reject a suppliant in his affliction.

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4:5

Don’t turn your eye away from one who asks.

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4:6

For if he curses you in the bitterness of his soul,

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4:7

Endear yourself to the assembly.

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4:8

Incline your ear to a poor man.

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4:9

Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of him who wrongs him;

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4:10

Be as a father to the fatherless,

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4:11

Wisdom exalts her sons,

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4:12

He who loves her loves life.

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4:13

He who holds her fast will inherit glory.

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4:14

Those who serve her minister to the Holy One.

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4:15

He who listens to her will judge the nations.

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4:16

If he trusts her, he will inherit her,

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4:17

For at the first she will walk with him in crooked ways,

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4:18

Then she will return him again to the straight way,

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4:19

If he goes astray, she will forsake him,

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4:20

Watch for the opportunity, and beware of evil.

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4:21

For there is a shame that brings sin,

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4:22

Don’t show partiality, discrediting your soul.

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4:23

Don’t refrain from speaking when it is for safety.

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4:24

For wisdom will be known by speech,

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4:25

Don’t speak against the truth

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4:26

Don’t be ashamed to confess your sins.

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4:27

Don’t lay yourself down for a fool to tread upon.

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4:28

Strive for the truth to death,

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4:29

Don’t be hasty with your tongue,

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4:30

Don’t be like a lion in your house,

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4:31

Don’t let your hand be stretched out to receive,

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