The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach — Ecclesiasticus

chapter 34


Chapters:


verse #1

Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding. Dreams give wings to fools.


verse #2

As one who grasps at a shadow and follows after the wind, so is he who sets his mind on dreams.


verse #3

The vision of dreams is a reflection, the likeness of a face near a face.


verse #4

From an unclean thing what can be cleansed? From that which is false what can be true?


verse #5

Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain. The heart has fantasies like a woman in labor.


verse #6

If they are not sent in a visitation from the Most High, don’t give your heart to them.


verse #7

For dreams have led many astray. They have failed by putting their hope in them.


verse #8

Without lying the law will be fulfilled. Wisdom is complete in a faithful mouth.


verse #9

A well-instructed man knows many things. He who has much experience will declare understanding.


verse #10

He who has no experience knows few things. But he who has traveled increases cleverness.


verse #11

I have seen many things in my travels. My understanding is more than my words.


verse #12

I was often in danger even to death. I was preserved because of these experiences.


verse #13

The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live, for their hope is in him who saves them.


verse #14

Whoever fears the Lord won’t be afraid, and won’t be a coward, for he is his hope.


verse #15

Blessed is the soul of him who fears the Lord. To whom does he give heed? Who is his support?


verse #16

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty protection and strong support, a cover from the hot blast, a shade from the noonday sun, a guard from stumbling, and a help from falling.


verse #17

He raises up the soul, and enlightens the eyes. He gives health, life, and blessing.


verse #18

He who sacrifices a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery. The mockeries of wicked men are not acceptable.


verse #19

The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly, Neither is he pacified for sins by the multitude of sacrifices.


verse #20

Like one who kills a son before his father’s eyes is he who brings a sacrifice from the goods of the poor.


verse #21

The bread of the needy is the life of the poor. He who deprives him of it is a man of blood.


verse #22

Like one who murders his neighbor is he who takes away his living. Like a shedder of blood is he who deprives a hireling of his hire.


verse #23

When one builds, and another pulls down, what profit do they have but toil?


verse #24

When one prays, and another curses, whose voice will the Lord listen to?


verse #25

He who washes himself after touching a dead body, and touches it again, what does he gain by his washing?


verse #26

Even so a man fasting for his sins, and going again, and doing the same, who will listen to his prayer? What profit does he have in his humiliation?

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