Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 7:11-26 Good News Bible Catholic Edition (GNBDK)

11. Don't laugh at someone who has been humiliated. It is the Lord who humbles a person, but the Lord also raises him up again.

12. Don't think up lies to tell about your friends.

13. Don't tell lies at all. It never does any good.

14. In an official assembly, don't get up and talk a lot of nonsense. And don't repeat yourself when you pray.

15. Don't try to avoid farm work or other hard labour; the Most High has given us these jobs to do.

16. Don't join forces with a crowd of sinners; remember that the Lord's punishment is sure to come.

17. Be very humble, because the decay of death awaits us all.

18. Don't betray a friend for money. Don't betray a real friend for all the gold in the world.

19. Don't miss your chance to marry a wise and good woman. A gracious wife is worth more than gold.

20. Don't ill-treat servants who do their work well, or employees who do their best for you.

21. Show the same love to wise servants that you would show to yourself, and let them have their freedom.

22. Take good care of any animals you own. If they make money for you, keep them.

23. If you have sons, educate them. Teach them self-discipline while they are young.

24. If you have daughters, keep them virtuous, and don't be too indulgent with them.

25. When you give your daughter in marriage, you have finished a great task, but give her to a sensible man.

26. If you have a good wife, do not divorce her, but do not trust yourself to someone you don't love.

Read complete chapter Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 7