Sirach 4

1My son, do not mock the life of the poor, and do not grieve a poor and bitter soul.

2Do not make a needy soul despair, and do not ignore a crushed soul.

3Do not embitter the inward parts of the poor, and do not cause pain to the heart of the needy.

4Do not withhold a gift from your poor man, and do not despise the request of the poor, nor give him occasion to curse you.

5One crying out in bitter spirit and in the pain of his soul, and at the sound of his cry, his Rock will hear.

6For if he cries out against you in the bitterness of his soul, his Maker will hear his plea.

7Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peacefully with humility.

8Rescue the oppressed from his oppressors, and do not let your spirit grow impatient when judging rightly.

9Be like a father to orphans, and in place of a husband to widows.

10And God will call you son, and he will show you favor and deliver you from the Pit.

11Wisdom has instructed her children, and she bears witness for all who have understanding in her.

12Those who love her love life, and those who seek her will obtain favor from Yahweh.

13Those who hold fast to her will find honor from Yahweh, and they will be favored with the blessing of Yahweh.

14Those who minister to her minister to the Holy One, and God loves those who love her dwelling.

15Whoever listens to me will judge truly, and whoever gives ear to me will dwell securely in my inner chambers.

16If he trusts her, he will inherit her, and his descendants will possess her.

17And until his heart is filled with me, I will return and make him happy, and I will reveal my secrets to him.

18If he turns aside, she will bind him with bonds.

19If he turns away from me, I will cast him off and hand him over to plunderers.

20My son, keep the proper time and beware of evil, and do not be ashamed for your own soul.

21For there is a shame that bears iniquity, and there is a shame that is glory and favor.

22Do not show partiality against yourself, and do not stumble to your own downfall.

23Do not withhold a word in the world, and do not hide your wisdom.

24For wisdom is made known in speech, and understanding in the response of the tongue.

25Do not resist God, but humble yourself before God.

26Do not be ashamed to turn back from iniquity, and do not stand before the current of a river.

27Do not abase yourself before a fool, and do not show partiality before rulers.

28Do not sit with an unjust judge, for with him judgment will be according to his pleasure.

29Contend for righteousness until death, and Yahweh will fight for you.

30Do not be called double-tongued, and do not train your tongue to it.

31Do not be proud in your speech, and slack and negligent in your work.