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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 22

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1 A slothful man is compared to a stone that is defiled.

2 A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill.

3 An undisciplined child is a disgrace to his father,

4 A prudent daughter will inherit a husband of her own.

5 She who is arrogant brings shame on father and husband.

6 Ill-timed conversation is like music in mourning,

11 Weep for the dead, for he lacks light.

12 Mourning for the dead lasts seven days,

13 Don’t talk much with a foolish man,

14 What would be heavier than lead?

15 Sand, salt, and a mass of iron is easier to bear

16 Timber girded and bound into a building will not be released with shaking.

17 A heart settled upon a thoughtful understanding

18 Fences set on a high place will not stand against the wind;

19 He who pricks the eye will make tears fall.

20 Whoever casts a stone at birds scares them away.

21 If you have drawn a sword against a friend, don’t despair,

22 If you have opened your mouth against a friend, don’t be afraid,

23 Gain trust with your neighbour in his poverty,

24 Before fire is the vapour and smoke of a furnace,

25 I won’t be ashamed to shelter a friend.

26 If any evil happens to me because of him,

27 Who will set a watch over my mouth,