Ben Sira Reader

According to the greatness of his mercy, so is his correction; He will judge each according to his doings.

He will not (M) let the wrong-doer escape with plunder; Neither will he frustrate the desire of the righteous for ever.

Whosoever doeth righteousness, there is a reward for him; And according to his works shall every man go forth (H) before him.

The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, who knew him not:

Whose works are manifest under heaven; His mercies are seen of all his creatures; And his light and his darkness (?) hath he apportioned to the sons of men.

Say not, I am hidden from God; And who shall remember me on high? In the mass of people I shall not be known; And what is my soul at the end of the spirits of all the sons of men?

Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, And the deep, and the earth; When he descendeth upon them, they tremble (?), At his visitation (?), and when he rageth.

The roots also of the mountains and the foundations of the world, When he looketh upon them, quake exceedingly.

Surely upon me he will not set his heart; And my ways who will consider?

If I have sinned, no eye shall see me; Or if I deal falsely in any secret place (?), who shall know?

Work of right who shall declare unto him? And of what is there hope, that I should be righteous (?)…?

They that want understanding will think such things; And a perverse man (?) will imagine this.

Hearken unto me, and receive my proverbs (?); And set your heart upon my words.

I will pour forth my spirit by weight; And with carefulness will I declare my opinion.

When God created his works from the beginning; According to their parts (H life) …. **;*;*;*;*

From a woman sin had its beginning, and because of her we all die.

A good wife, happy is her husband; and the number of his days is doubled.

A valiant wife is satisfying to her husband; and he will spend the years of his life in joys.

A good wife is a good gift, given to the lap of those who revere God.

Do not suffer from tomorrow’s trouble, as you do not know what a day will bring.

Let him not have rule in his youth; And bear not with his mischiefs.

Beat his shoulder while it is yet tender (?); Bruise (?) his loins while he is yet a youth. Bow down his head in his youth; And smite through his loins when he is a little one. Wherefore should he harden himself (M), and rebel against thee; That thou shouldest have (?) faintness of spirit because of him?

Chastise (or Train) thy son, and make his yoke heavy; Lest in his folly he lift himself up (M) against thee.

Better is one that is poor, and healthy in his body; Than a rich man that is plagued in his flesh.

Health of flesh (?) have I desired more than fine gold; And a joyful spirit more than rubies.

There is no wealth above wealth of sound flesh (?); And no good above goodness of heart.

Better is to die than a life of vanity; And eternal rest than continual pain. Better is to die than life that is evil; And to go down to Sheol than lasting pain.

Goodness poured upon a mouth that is closed Is as an offering laid before a gravestone (?).

What can it profit idols of the nations, Which eat not, neither do they smell?

So whoso hath wealth, And enjoyeth not of his substance (?).

With his eye..... As an eunuch (?) embraceth a maiden and groaneth.

So is he that doeth judgement with violence (?). So is an eunuch (?) that lieth with a virgin. And the Lord requireth at his hand.

Give not thy soul to sorrow; And stumble not by thine iniquity (M counsel).

Joy of heart, that is the life of a man; And a man's cheerfulness lengthens his days (G).

Rejoice thy soul, and make thine heart joyful (?); And put vexation far from thee:

For sorrow hath slain many; And there is no profit in vexation.

Envy and sorrow (G wrath) shorten days; And care maketh old untimely.

The sleep of a good heart is instead of dainties; And his food is agreeable unto him.

The wakefulness (M) of the rich wasteth his flesh; His care (M) dissipateth slumber.

Care for sustenance breaketh off slumber; And sore sickness (M) dissipateth slumber. Reproach putteth to flight a faithful friend; But he that hideth a secret is beloved (?) as one's soul.

The labour (M) of the rich is to gather (G S) wealth; And if he rest, it is to take pleasure.

The poor toileth for the lack of his house; And if he rest, he becometh needy. The labour of the poor is for the lack of his means (?); And if he rest, it is to his lamentation (or he is distressed).

He that pursueth after gold shall not be innocent; And he that loveth hire shall err thereby.

Many are there that have been given in pledge (?) to gold; And that trusted (?) on rubies. And they found not how to escape from evil; Neither to save themselves in the day of wrath.

For it is a stumblingblock to the fool; And whoso is simple is enticed thereby.

Blessed is the man (H) that hath been found perfect; And that hath not gone aside after mammon.

Who is he? and we will call him blessed: For he hath done wonderously among his people.

Who is he? that we may cleave (H) unto him; And he shall have peace, and he shall have glory. For when as the peace of his life multiplieth, I will be a glory unto thee (?).

Who hath blessed it (?), and made his life perfect? I will be a glory unto thee (?). Who was able to stray, and strayed not? And to do evil to a neighbour, and would not?

Therefore his good is sure; And the congregation shall declare his praise. *******

Be to them as one of them; Take thought for them, and afterward be seated: Supply their want, and afterward recline.

That thou mayest rejoice in their honour; And receive favour at the table (?).

Speak, O elder, for it pertaineth to thee; And be carefully wise (?), and hinder not song.

In a place for wine pour not forth talk; And in a place for music (?) pour not forth talk: And wherefore shouldest thou be always (S) wise?

As a seal upon a purse of gold, Is a hymn to God at a banquet of wine. As a boss (?) of ruby on a circlet (M) of gold, Is a concert of music (?) at a banquet of wine.

As a collar of gold wherein are emerald and sapphire; So are fine words comely at a banquet of wine. As settings of fine gold and a seal of carbuncle, Is the voice of music with the pleasance of mead.

Speak, O young man, if thou be wanted; With compulsion if one ask thee twice or thrice.

Restrain speaking, and diminish it exceedingly; And be like to one that knoweth and holdeth his tongue.

Among elders set not thyself up; And press not (?) much on princes.

Before hail (H) speedeth (?) lightning; And before one that is downcast speedeth favour. Before hail (H) speedeth (?) lightning; And before one that is shamefast favour.

At the appointed time tarry not; Get thee home and do pleasure (?). At table time multiply not words; Even though a thing hath come into thy mind.

..in thy heart (?), and do pleasure; In the fear of God, and not with lack of understanding (H all).

And for all these things (?) bless thy Maker; Which satisfieth thee with his goodness. He that seeketh God may expect favour (?); And he that is a madman shall be snared thereby (?).

He that seeketh God will receive discipline; And he that seeketh him diligently shall obtain an answer. He that seeketh things pleasing to God shall receive instruction; And he will answer him in his prayer.

He that seeketh the law shall obtain her; And he that is a madman shall be snared thereby.

He that feareth the Lord shall discern judgement; And shall bring forth counsels from twilight (H). They that fear the Lord shall discern his judgement; And they shall bring forth much wisdom (M) from their heart.

A man of violence (M) will wrest reproofs; And will draw the law (?) after his need. A wise man will not conceal wisdom (M); And a scorner will not keep his tongue.

A wise man will not take a bribe (H): One that is proud and a scorner will not keep the law.

Without counsel do not anything; And after thy doings vex not thyself.

Go not in a way set with snares; And stumble not at an offence twice.

Trust not in the way of the spoiler (?); And be watchful of thy latter end.

Trust not in the way of the wicked; And be ware in thy paths. In all thy ways keep thy soul; For whoso doeth these things keepeth a commandment.

In all thy doings keep thy soul; For he that doeth this keepeth a commandment.

He that observeth the law keepeth his soul; And he that trusteth in the Lord shall not be ashamed.

Evil shall not befall him that feareth the Lord; But in temptation even again he shall be delivered (?).

He that hateth the law shall not be wise; And he is moved as…tossed with tempest (?).

A man of discernment discerneth a matter; And his law....... *******

In all thy works (H) shew a bright countenance; And dedicate thy tithe with gladness.

Give to God (?) according as he hath given to thee; With goodness of eye, and as thy hand hath found (?).

For he is a God that recompenseth; And sevenfold will he return unto thee. He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord; And who is a rewarder but he (M S)?

Bribe (S Hesitate) not, for he will not receive; And trust not upon a sacrifice of oppression. For he is a God of judgement; And with him is no respect of persons.

He will not shew favour toward the poor; And he will hear the supplication of the afflicted.

He will not reject the cry of the fatherless; And of the widow, when she maketh much complaint (H).

Do not tears run down the cheek? Doth she not sigh because of her miseries?

Bitterness that is well-pleasing (H) is her lamentation (?): Her (G His) cry hasteth to the clouds.

The crying of the poor passeth through thick clouds (M); And resteth not until it come nigh. It will not remove till God shall visit; And till he that judgeth righteously shall do judgement.

Yea, and God will not tarry; And as a mighty man he will not refrain himself: Till he smite the loins of the unmerciful; And repay vengeance to the heathen: Till he dispossess the sceptre of pride; And quite cut down the rod of the wicked:

Till he render to a man his due; And a man's recompense according to his devising: Till he plead (?) the cause of his people; And make them joyful (M) with his salvation.

Mercy from the Lord in time (?) of affliction Is as cloud (?) of rains in season of drought.

Save us, O God of all; And exalt thy fear over all the nations.

Shake thy hand (M) over the strange people; And let them see thy mighty acts.

As thou hast been sanctified in their eyes over us; So in our eyes get thee honour over them.

And let them know as we have known, That there is no God but thou.

Renew signs, and repeat wonders; Glorify thy hand, and strengthen arm and right hand.

Wake up indignation, and pour out wrath; And subdue the foe, and drive away (?) the enemy.

Hasten the end, and visit (H) the appointed time (?); For who shall say unto thee, What doest thou?

Make an end of the head of the princes of Moab (H); That saith, There is none but me.

Gather all the tribes of Jacob; And let them inherit as in the days of old.

Have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name; Israel, whom thou didst surname Firstborn.

Have mercy upon thy holy city; Jerusalem, the place of thy dwelling.

Fill Sion with thy majesty; And thy temple from thy glory.

Give testimony to the firstling of thy works; And establish the vision spoken in thy name.

Give their reward to them that wait for thee; And let thy prophets be true.

Hear the prayer of thy servants; According to thy good pleasure (?) unto thy people.

And let all the ends of the earth know (H), That thou art our God for ever (?).

The throat eateth every meat; Yet is one meat more pleasant than another (M).

A woman will receive every man (?); Yet is one woman beautiful (M). *******

My son, prove thy soul in thy life (M in wine); And see thou give it not that which is bad for it.

For not all is good for all: Not every soul chooseth every sort.

Be not insatiable (G) for every luxury; And be not effuse on all dainties.

For in much luxury (M food) nesteth sickness; And he that surfeiteth shall come nigh to loathing.

By intemperance many perish utterly (?); But he that taketh heed shall add to life.

Honour a physician before need of him (H): Him also hath God apportioned.

From God a physician getteth wisdom; And from a king he shall receive gifts.

The skill of a physician shall lift up his head; And he shall stand before nobles.

God bringeth out medicines from the earth; And let a prudent man not refuse them.

Was not water made sweet with wood, For to acquaint every man with his (M their) power?

And he gave man understanding; To glory in his (M their) might.

By them doth the physician assuage pain; And likewise the apothecary maketh a confection:

That his work may not fail (?); Nor health from among the sons of men (M his earth).

My son, in sickness be not negligent (?): Pray unto God, for he will heal.

Flee from iniquity, and from respect of persons; And from all transgressions cleanse thy heart.

Offer a sweet savour (?) as a memorial; And fatness estimated according to thy substance (?).

And to the physician also give (?) a place; And he shall not remove, for there is need of him likewise.

For there is a time when in his hand is good success (?): For he too will supplicate unto God,

That he will prosper (H) to him the treatment (or draught), And the healing, for the sake of his (?) living.

He that sinneth against his Maker Will behave himself proudly (H) against a physician.

My son, let tears fall over the dead: Be in bitterness, and wail with lamentation.

According to the manner of each, bury his (M their) flesh; And hide not thyself when they die (?). Weep bitterly, and make grievous wailing; And appoint mourning accordingly (?): A day or two because of hearsay (?); And be comforted for the sake of health (?).

Out of sorrow (?) cometh harm; So the sad of heart buildeth up trouble (?).

Set not the heart upon him (M) any more; Dismiss his remembrance, and remember the end.

Remember his sentence, for it is thy sentence; His yesterday, and thine to day.

Remember him not, for there is no hope for him; What shalt thou profit him (?)? and thou shalt hurt thyself.

When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; And be comforted when his soul departeth.

The wisdom of the scribe increaseth wisdom (H); And he that hath little business shall become wise.

How shall he get wisdom that holdeth the plough (or goad), And glorieth in the stimulant (?) spear?

He is busied with oxen, and leadeth about cattle (?); And his discourses are with bullocks.

And his wakefulness is to victual (?) the stall: He setteth his heart to plough furrows.

Likewise the artificer..... Which by night is busied (M)... *******

I wish to praise the pious men, our ancestors in their generations.

Much honored portion of the Highest, and and His greatness from the days of old

The earth's generations in their kingdoms, and the people of renown in their might; counselors in their understanding, and seers in their prophecy.

Noblemen of nations in their designs, rulers in their plans; wise thinkers in their books, and proverb-tellers in their preserved works.

Composers of psalms by decree, princes of proverbs by writing.

Men of valor and steadfast power, and tranquil upon their foundations.

All these in their generations, in their days, were renowned.

From among them some left a name, that they be rested on their legacy.

And from among them some were not remembered, and ceased to be when they ceased to be.

When they were no more, they were no more, and their children after them.

Still, these were pious men, and their hope will not cease.

With their seed is their faithful goodness, and their inheritance to their children's children.

Forever and ever their memories stand, and their righteousness will not be forgotten

Their corpses are in peace gathered up, and their names live from generation to generation.

Their wisdom the community will repeat, and their praises the assembly will recount.

Ḥanokh was found pure, and walked with God, and was taken - a sign of knowledge from generation to generation....

Righteous Noaḥ was found pure, at a time of destruction he was substituted; for his sake there was a remnant, and in his covenant the Flood ceased.

Through an eternal sign the covenant was made with him, and without it all flesh would have been wiped out.

Avraham was a father of many [av hamon] nations, given no blemish in his glory.

He kept the commandments of the Highest, and came with a covenant with Him. In his flesh a law was cut, and in his test he was found faithful.

Thus, with an oath He held him up, to bless nations with his seed; to grant them from sea to sea, and from the River to the edge of the land.

And also to Yitzḥaq He brought a son, for the sake of Avraham his father; a covenant of all given from the first, and a blessing rested on the head of Israel.

And He founded him with a blessing, and He gave him his inheritance; and he established him with tribes, as a portion twelvefold.

And he brought from him a man, finding grace in the eyes of all life.

Beloved by God and man, Moshe, remembered for good.

And God honored him, and strengthened him in the heights.

With his words, the letters He sped up, and He strengthened him before the king; and He commanded the people, and they saw His glory.

In his faithfulness and his humility, He chose him from all flesh.

And He caused him to hear his voice, and He drew him to the thick cloud; and He placed in his hand the commandment, the Torah of life and understanding; to teach Yaaqov His laws, and His statues and ordinances to Israel.

And He raised Aharon, he the tribe of Levi, to holiness, and He placed him as an eternal law.

And He put upon him splendor, and He appointed him minister in His glory; and girded him with the majesty of the aurochs, and clothed him with bells.

And He clothed him all in majesty, and beautifued him in glory and strength; breeches, tunic, robe, and surrounded him in bells.

And many pomegranates surrounding, to make music with his steps.

Holy clothes, gold, purple, and crimson, works of the masters; breatplate of judgement, ephod and girdle, and two scarlet threads, woven.

Precious stones upon the breastplate, sealed and engraved in openings; every stone called a memory, written carved for the number of the children of Israel.

A pure-gold crown, robe, turban, and headplate carved with a holy seal; splendrous glory and praiseworthy strength, pleasant to see and entirely beauty.

Before him was none like him, thus after him no stranger will wear it. He trusted in him and in his sons like this, and thus his sons to their generations.

Their grain-offering is entirely smoked, and on every day it is twice offered.

And He filled Moshe's hand, and He anointed him with holy oil; and he was to Him an eternal covenant, and to his seed as in the days of heaven.

To minister and to serve as priest for Him, and to bless His people with His name. And He chose him from all life, to bring the whole-offerings and the suet-offerings.

And to burn a sweet smell and a remembrance, and to atone for the children of Israel.

And He gave his people a law, and a rule to the children of Israel; and strangers were angry with him, and jealous of him in the desert.

The men of Datan and Aviram, and the congregation of Qoraḥ in their enraged anger; and they saw ADONAI and He was enraged, and destroyed them in his great anger.