Sirach 33

1One who fears Yahweh will not meet with evil, for even in trial he will turn back and escape.

2One who hates instruction will not become wise, and he is tossed about in a storm like a ship.

3A discerning man understands the word of Yahweh, and his instruction is like the Urim in the breastpiece.

4Just as you were sanctified among us before them, so also be magnified among them before us;

5and may they know you, just as we also knew you.

6For there is no God except you, Lord. Renew signs and alter wonders,

7Honor the hand and the right arm,

8Stir up anger and pour out wrath,

9Raise up an adversary, and wipe out an enemy.

10Hasten the time and remember the oath, and let them recount your mighty deeds.

11In the wrath of fire, let the one who is saved be consumed, and let those who wrong your people find destruction.

12Crush the heads of the rulers of the enemies, who say, “There is no one except us.”

13Gather all the tribes of Jacob,

14Opposite evil is good, and opposite death is life; so opposite a godly man is a sinner.

15And so look at all the works of the Most High: two by two, one opposite the other.

16And I too kept watch last of all, like one who gleans behind the grape harvesters.

17Have mercy on the people, O Lord, who are called by your name, and on Israel, whom you made equal to a firstborn son.

18Understand that I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.

19Listen to me, you great men of the people, and you leaders of the assembly, give ear.

20To son and wife, to brother and friend, do not give authority over yourself during your lifetime; and do not give your possessions to another, lest you regret it and have to plead for them.

21As long as you are still alive and breath is in you, do not give yourself over to any flesh.

22For it is better that your children should have need of you than that you should look to the hands of your sons.

23In all your works be preeminent; do not give a blemish to your honor.

24On the day your life's days come to an end, and at the time of death, distribute your inheritance.

25Fodder and a rod and loads are for a donkey; bread and discipline and work are for a servant.

26Put your servant to work, and you will find rest; let his hands be idle, and he will seek freedom.

27A yoke and a strap will bend the neck, and for a wicked servant there are racks and tortures.

28Put him to work, so that he may not be idle;

29For idleness has taught much evil.

30Set him to work as is fitting for him, and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy; but do not be excessive with any flesh, and do nothing without judgment.

31If you have a servant, let him be as yourself, because you acquired him with blood.

32On the day the days of your life are completed, and at the time of death, give an inheritance.

33Fodder and a rod and loads are for a donkey; bread and discipline and work are for a servant.

34Be on guard against a wrongdoer, for he devises evil, lest he ever bring disgrace upon you.

35Settle a stranger with you, and he will throw you into turmoil, and estrange you from your own.

36Do not seek counsel from every man, but keep one counselor out of a thousand.

37When you acquire a friend, acquire him through testing, and do not quickly trust him.

38For there is a friend in his own time, and he will certainly not remain in the day of your distress.

39And there is a friend who changes into enmity, and he will expose a quarrel to your disgrace.