Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 30:18-24 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

18. Good things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a grave.

19. What benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smell.

20. So is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquity.

21. He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs.

22. You should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counsel.

23. The gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of life.

24. Take pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourself.

Read complete chapter Sirach 30