Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 29:3-22 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

3. Keep your word, and act faithfully with him, and then you will find whatever you need in every time.

4. Many have treated a loan like found money, and they offered trouble to those who helped them.

5. Until they receive, they kiss the hands of the giver, and they humble their voice in promises.

6. But at the time of repayment, they will ask for more time, and they will speak annoying and complaining words, and they will make excuses for the time.

7. Then, if he is able to repay, he will turn away. He will pay barely one half, and he will consider it as if he had found it.

8. But if not, then he will defraud him of his money, and he will have him as an enemy without cause.

9. And he will repay him with accusations and curses, and he will repay him with contempt, instead of with honor and kindness.

10. Many have refused to lend, not because of wickedness, but because they were afraid to be defrauded without cause.

11. Yet truly, be more steadfast toward the humble, and you should not delay in acts of mercy toward them.

12. Assist the poor because of the commandment. And you should not send him away empty because of his dire need.

13. Lose your money to your brother and your friend. For you should not hide it under a stone to be lost.

14. Let your treasure be in the precepts of the Most High, and it will benefit you more than gold.

15. Store your alms in the hearts of the poor, and it will obtain help for you against all evil.

16. Better than the shield or the lance of a powerful man,

17. it will fight for you against your enemy.

18. A good man offers credit for the sake of his neighbor. But one who abandons him to himself will perish in shame.

19. You should not forget the kindness of your benefactor. For he has offered his life on your behalf.

20. The sinner and the unclean flee from such promises.

21. A sinner attributes to himself the goods of his loan. And an ungrateful mind will abandon the one who has freed him.

22. A man offers credit to his neighbor. But when he will have lost respect, he will abandon him.

Read complete chapter Sirach 29