Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 21:2-13 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

2. Flee from sins, as if from the face of a serpent. For if you approach them, they will take hold of you.

3. Their teeth are like the teeth of a lion, bringing death to the souls of men.

4. All iniquity is like a two-edged spear; there is no healing in its wound.

5. Reproach and injury will make resources useless. And a house that is exceedingly wealthy will become powerless through pride. In this way, the resources of the arrogant will be eradicated.

6. Supplications from the mouth of the pauper will reach all the way to the ears of God, and judgment will come to him quickly.

7. Whoever hates correction is walking in the steps of a sinner. But whoever fears God will convert within his heart.

8. He who has power by means of a bold tongue will be known from far away. But an understanding man knows to slip past him.

9. Whoever builds his house, paid for by another, is like one who gathers his building stones in winter.

10. The synagogue of sinners is like stubble piled up; for the end of them both is a burning fire.

11. The way of sinners is paved and level, and at their end is hell and darkness and punishments.

12. Whoever observes justice will obtain an understanding of it.

13. The consummation of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.

Read complete chapter Sirach 21