Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 4:18-33 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

18. For she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginning.

19. She will lead fear and dread and trials over him, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his soul.

20. And then she will strengthen him, and lead him along a straight path, and rejoice in him.

21. And she will disclose her secrets to him, and she will store up treasure, of the knowledge and understanding of justice, in him.

22. But if he has wandered astray, she will leave him behind, and she will deliver him into the hands of his enemy.

23. Son, be continually observant, and keep away from evil.

24. For the sake of your soul, you should not be ashamed to speak the truth.

25. For there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that brings glory and grace.

26. You should not accept a face contrary to your own face, nor should you accept a lie contrary to your own soul.

27. You should not enjoy the fall of your neighbor.

28. Neither should you withhold words at an opportunity for salvation. You should not conceal your wisdom in her beauty.

29. For wisdom is discerned within speech. And understanding and knowledge and doctrine are discerned in the words of those who understand and by their steadfastness in the works of justice.

30. You should not contradict a word of truth in any way. Otherwise, by a falsehood born of ignorance, you will be confounded.

31. You should not be ashamed to confess your sins, but do not subject yourself to any man because of sin.

32. Do not choose to stand against the face of the powerful, for you should not strive against the current of the river.

33. Suffer for justice, on behalf of your soul, and struggle, even unto death, on behalf of justice, and God will fight against your enemies on your behalf.

Read complete chapter Sirach 4