Ecclesiasticus 26:1-29

1: Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.
2: A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfill the years of his life in peace.
3: A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.
4: Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.
5: There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.
6: But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.
7: An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.
8: A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.
9: The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.
10: If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.
11: Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.
12: She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.
13: The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.
14: A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
15: A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.
16: As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.
17: As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.
18: As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.
19: My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy strength to strangers.
20: When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.
21: So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.
22: An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.
23: A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.
24: A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.
25: A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.
26: A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.
27: A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.
28: There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.
29: A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.

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Ecclesiasticus 27:1-30

1: Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away.
2: As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.
3: Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.
4: As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so the filth of man in his talk.
5: The furnace proveth the potter's vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.
6: The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.
7: Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.
8: If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.
9: The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her.
10: As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity.
11: The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon.
12: If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding.
13: The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.
14: The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.
15: The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.
16: Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.
17: Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.
18: For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbor.
19: As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again
20: Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.
21: As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.
22: He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.
23: When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.
24: I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.
25: Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.
26: Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.
27: He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh.
28: Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.
29: They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.
30: Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.

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Ecclesiasticus 28:1-26

1: He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]
2: Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.
3: One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?
4: He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins?
5: If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?
6: Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.
7: Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.
8: Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife,
9: A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.
10: As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.
11: An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.
12: If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
13: Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
14: A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
15: A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16: Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
17: The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
18: Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
19: Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
20: For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
21: The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.
22: It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.
23: Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.
24: Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold,
25: And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth.
26: Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.

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Ecclesiasticus 29:1-28

1: He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.
2: Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.
3: Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.
4: Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.
5: Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.
6: If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.
7: Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
8: Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.
9: Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.
10: Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.
11: Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.
12: Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.
13: It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.
14: An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.
15: Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.
16: A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:
17: And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] that delivered him.
18: Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.
19: A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.
20: Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.
21: The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.
22: Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man's house.
23: Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.
24: For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.
25: Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words:
26: Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.
27: Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.
28: These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.

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Ecclesiasticus 30:1-25

1: He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.
2: He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.
3: He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.
4: Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.
5: While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.
6: He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.
7: He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.
8: An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.
9: Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.
10: Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.
11: Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.
12: Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.
13: Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.
14: Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.
15: Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.
16: There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.
17: Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.
18: Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.
19: What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.
20: He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.
21: Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.
22: The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.
23: Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.
24: Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.
25: A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.

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Ecclesiasticus 31:1-31

1: Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep.
2: Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep,
3: The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.
4: The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth off, he is still needy.
5: He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
6: Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.
7: It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.
8: Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
9: Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.
10: Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?
11: His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.
12: If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on it.
13: Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.
14: Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.
15: Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.
16: Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour note, lest thou be hated.
17: Leave off first for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.
18: When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.
19: A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.
20: Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.
21: And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.
22: My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.
23: Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.
24: But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.
25: Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.
26: The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkeness.
27: Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.
28: Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:
29: But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.
30: Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.
31: Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him [to drink.]

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Ecclesiasticus 32:1-24

1: If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.
2: And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.
3: Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.
4: Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.
5: A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.
6: As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.
7: Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.
8: Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.
9: If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.
10: Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.
11: Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.
12: There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.
13: And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.
14: Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour.
15: He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.
16: They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.
17: A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.
18: A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.
19: Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.
20: Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.
21: Be not confident in a plain way.
22: And beware of thine own children.
23: In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.
24: He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.

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Ecclesiasticus 33:1-31

1: There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but in temptation even again he will deliver him.
2: A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm.
3: A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is faithful unto him, as an oracle.
4: Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up instruction, and then make answer.
5: The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his thoughts are like a rolling axletree.
6: A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him.
7: Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun?
8: By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he altered seasons and feasts.
9: Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of them hath he made ordinary days.
10: And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of earth:
11: In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their ways diverse.
12: Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.
13: As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render to them as liketh him best.
14: Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.
15: So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are two and two, one against another.
16: I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and tred my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.
17: Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.
18: Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.
19: Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.
20: As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.
21: For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.
22: In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.
23: At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.
24: Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant. .
25: If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.
26: A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.
27: Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.
28: Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
29: But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.
30: If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.
31: If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?

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Ecclesiasticus 34:1-26

1: The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.
2: Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.
3: The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.
4: Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?
5: Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.
6: If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.
7: For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.
8: The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.
9: A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom.
10: He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.
11: When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.
12: I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
13: The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them.
14: Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.
15: Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?
16: For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling.
17: He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.
18: He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.
19: The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.
20: Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.
21: The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.
22: He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.
23: When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
24: When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25: He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
26: So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?

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Ecclesiasticus 35:1-20

1: He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.
2: He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
3: To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
4: Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
5: For all these things [are to be done] because of the commandment.
6: The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.
7: The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
8: Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.
9: In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.
10: Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
11: For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much.
12: Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
13: He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.
14: He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
15: Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
16: He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.
17: The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgment.
18: For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;
19: Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.
20: Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.

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Ecclesiasticus 36:1-26

1: Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:
2: And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee.
3: Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.
4: As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us.
5: And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.
6: Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works.
7: Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy.
8: Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works.
9: Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people.
10: Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we.
11: Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as from the beginning.
12: O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.
13: O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest.
14: Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with thy glory:
15: Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.
16: Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found faithful.
17: O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God.
18: The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than another.
19: As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an heart of understanding false speeches.
20: A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience will recompense him.
21: A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better than another.
22: The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man loveth nothing better.
23: If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue, then is not her husband like other men.
24: He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like unto himself, and a pillar of rest.
25: Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning.
26: Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from city to city? so [who will believe] a man that hath no house, and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?

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Ecclesiasticus 37:1-31

1: Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.
2: Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?
3: O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?
4: There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.
5: There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.
6: Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.
7: Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth for himself.
8: Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath; for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,
9: And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall befall thee.
10: Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.
11: Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.
12: But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.
13: And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it.
14: For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.
15: And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way in truth.
16: Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before every action.
17: The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.
18: Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually.
19: There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself.
20: There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he shall be destitute of all food.
21: For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is deprived of all wisdom.
22: Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth.
23: A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his understanding fail not.
24: A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shall count him happy.
25: The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel are innumerable.
26: A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.
27: My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it.
28: For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing.
29: Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats:
30: For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler.
31: By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life.

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Ecclesiasticus 38:1-34

1: Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.
2: For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the king.
3: The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.
4: The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.
5: Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?
6: And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works.
7: With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.
8: Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,
9: My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole.
10: Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness.
11: Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being.
12: Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.
13: There is a time when in their hands there is good success.
14: For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.
15: He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.
16: My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.
17: Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
18: For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength.
19: In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart.
20: Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the last end.
21: Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt thyself.
22: Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday for me, and to day for thee.
23: When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.
24: The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise.
25: How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
26: He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give the kine fodder.
27: So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work:
28: The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:
29: So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is always carefully set at his work, and maketh all his work by number;
30: He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:
31: All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his work.
32: Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go up and down:
33: They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges' seat, nor understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.
34: But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all] their desire is in the work of their craft.

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Ecclesiasticus 39:1-35

1: But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.
2: He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where subtil parables are, he will be there also.
3: He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark parables.
4: He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.
5: He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.
6: When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.
7: He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.
8: He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
9: Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation.
10: Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise.
11: If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase it.
12: Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am filled as the moon at the full.
13: Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field:
14: And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.
15: Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say after this manner:
16: All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.
17: And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.
18: At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none can hinder, when he will save.
19: The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid from his eyes.
20: He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderful before him.
21: A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for he hath made all things for their uses.
22: His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.
23: As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherit his wrath.
24: As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they stumblingblocks unto the wicked.
25: For the good are good things created from the beginning: so evil things for sinners.
26: The principal things for the whole use of man's life are water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.
27: All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they are turned into evil.
28: There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.
29: Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance;
30: Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword punishing the wicked to destruction.
31: They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come, they shall not transgress his word.
32: Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them in writing.
33: All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every needful thing in due season.
34: So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shall all be well approved.
35: And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.

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Ecclesiasticus 40:1-30

1: Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.
2: Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;
3: From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;
4: From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.
5: Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.
6: A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
7: When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.
8: [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
9: Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;
10: These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.
11: All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.
12: All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.
13: The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.
14: While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.
15: The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
16: The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.
17: Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
18: To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.
19: Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
20: Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.
21: The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.
22: Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.
23: A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.
24: Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.
25: Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.
26: Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
27: The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.
28: My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.
29: The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.
30: Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.

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Ecclesiasticus 41:1-24

1: O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
2: O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!
3: Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.
4: And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.
5: The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.
6: The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.
7: The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.
8: Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your destruction:
9: And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse shall be your portion.
10: All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.
11: The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.
12: Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.
13: A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.
14: My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?
15: A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.
16: Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.
17: Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man;
18: Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend;
19: And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and take;
20: And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;
21: And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.
22: Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast given, upbraid not;
23: Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets.
24: So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men.

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Ecclesiasticus 42:1-25

1: Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby:
2: Of the law of the most High, and his covenant; and of judgment to justify the ungodly;
3: Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift of the heritage of friends;
4: Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or little;
5: And of merchants' indifferent selling; of much correction of children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.
6: Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up, where many hands are.
7: Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.
8: Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young: thus shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.
9: The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she should be hated:
10: In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she should be barren.
11: Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city, and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before the multitude.
12: Behold not every body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of women.
13: For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.
14: Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.
15: I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.
16: The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.
17: The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is might be established for his glory.
18: He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and he beholdeth the signs of the world.
19: He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and revealeth the steps of hidden things.
20: No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.
21: He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any counsellor.
22: Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see even to a spark.
23: All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and they are all obedient.
24: All things are double one against another: and he hath made nothing imperfect.
25: One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be filled with beholding his glory?

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Ecclesiasticus 43:1-33

1: The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shew;
2: The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:
3: At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?
4: A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.
5: Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.
6: He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
7: From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection.
8: The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;
9: The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.
10: At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.
11: Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
12: It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.
13: By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall aplace, and sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment.
14: Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth as fowls.
15: By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones are broken small.
16: At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the south wind bloweth.
17: The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers:
18: The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.
19: The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.
20: When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and clotheth the water as with a breastplate.
21: It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth the grass as fire.
22: A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew coming after heat refresheth.
23: By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands therein.
24: They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.
25: For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beasts and whales created.
26: By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his word all things consist.
27: We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he is all.
28: How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above all his works.
29: The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his power.
30: When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far enough.
31: Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify him as he is?
32: There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have seen but a few of his works.
33: For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he given wisdom.

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Ecclesiasticus 44:1-23

1: Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.
2: The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.
3: Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:
4: Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:
5: Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:
6: Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:
7: All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.
8: There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.
9: And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.
10: But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.
11: With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant.
12: Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.
13: Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.
14: Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.
15: The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.
16: Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.
17: Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange [for the world;] therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.
18: An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more by the flood.
19: Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there none like unto him;
20: Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.
21: Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part of the land.
22: With Isaac did he establish likewise [for Abraham his father's sake] the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part them.

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Ecclesiasticus 45:1-26

1: And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.
2: He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him.
3: By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory.
4: He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose him out of all men.
5: He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants, and Israel his judgments.
6: He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his brother, of the tribe of Levi.
7: An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the priesthood among the people; he beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
8: He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.
9: And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people;
10: With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroiderer, with a breastplate of judgment, and with Urim and Thummim;
11: With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the number of the tribes of Israel.
12: He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
13: Before him there were none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's children perpetually.
14: Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually.
15: Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people in his name.
16: He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make reconciliation for his people.
17: He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgments, that he should teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.
18: Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.
19: This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fiery flame.
20: But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially he prepared bread in abundance:
21: For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave unto him and his seed.
22: Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance.
23: The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage of heart: when the people were turned back, and made reconciliation for Israel.
24: Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the priesthood for ever:
25: According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be unto his seed.
26: God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that their glory may endure for ever.

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Ecclesiasticus 46:1-20

1: Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he might set Israel in their inheritance.
2: How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched out his sword against the cities!
3: Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought his enemies unto him.
4: Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as long as two?
5: He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.
6: And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent [of Beth-horon] he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.
7: In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the wicked murmuring.
8: And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even unto the land that floweth with milk and honey.
9: The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:
10: That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to follow the Lord.
11: And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.
12: Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.
13: Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.
14: By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto Jacob.
15: By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his word he was known to be faithful in vision.
16: He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.
17: And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise made his voice to be heard.
18: And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes cf the Philistines.
19: And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods, so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.
20: And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness of the people.

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Ecclesiasticus 47:1-25

1: And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David.
2: As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel.
3: He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.
4: Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath?
5: For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.
6: So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.
7: For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nought the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder unto this day.
8: In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that made him.
9: He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs.
10: He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.
11: The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.
12: After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at large.
13: Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
14: How wise wast thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled with understanding!
15: Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with dark parables.
16: Thy name went far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou wast beloved.
17: The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations.
18: By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, thou didst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver as lead.
19: Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou wast brought into subjection.
20: Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that thou broughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for thy folly.
21: So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom.
22: But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of him a root unto David.
23: Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:
24: And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land.
25: For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.

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Ecclesiasticus 48:1-25

1: Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.
2: He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished their number.
3: By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three times brought down fire.
4: O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory like unto thee!
5: Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:
6: Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honorable men from their bed:
7: Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment of vengeance:
8: Who annointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed after him:
9: Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:
10: Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
11: Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we shall surely live.
12: Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him into subjection.
13: No word could overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.
14: He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.
15: For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
16: Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some multiplied sins.
17: Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells for waters.
18: In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.
19: Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain, as women in travail.
20: But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out their hands toward him: and immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry of Esay.
21: He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them.
22: For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.
23: In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the king's life.
24: He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.
25: He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things or ever they came.

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Ecclesiasticus 49:1-16

1: The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume that is made by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet as honey in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of wine.
2: He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity.
3: He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he established the worship of God.
4: All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda failed.
5: Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to a strange nation.
6: They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the streets desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.
7: For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet, sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also, and plant.
8: It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed him upon the chariot of the cherubims.
9: For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the rain, and directed them that went right.
10: And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.
11: How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the right hand:
12: So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded the house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was prepared for everlasting glory.
13: And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.
14: But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was taken from the earth.
15: Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of the Lord.
16: Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam above every living thing in creation.

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Ecclesiasticus 50:1-29

1: Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:
2: And by him was built from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple:
3: In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates of brass:
4: He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the city against besieging:
5: How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming out of the sanctuary!
6: He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full:
7: As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:
8: And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer:
9: As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones:
10: And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds.
11: When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness honourable.
12: When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him round about.
13: So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.
14: And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty,
15: He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.
16: Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the most High.
17: Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the most High.
18: The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.
19: And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had finished his service.
20: Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.
21: And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing from the most High.
22: Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy.
23: He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever:
24: That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!
25: There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation:
26: They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
27: Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom.
28: Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.
29: For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.

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Ecclesiasticus 51:1-30