Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 11:1-11 World English Bible (WEB)

1. The wisdom of the lowly shall lift up his head, And make him to sit in the midst of great men.

2. Commend not a man for his beauty; And abhor not a man for his outward appearance.

3. The bee is little among such as fly; And her fruit is the chief of sweetmeats.

4. Glory not in the putting on of raiment, And exalt not yourself in the day of honor; For the works of the Lord are wonderful, And his works are hidden among men.

5. Many kings have sat down upon the ground; And one that was never thought of has worn a diadem.

6. Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; And men of renown have been delivered into other men’s hands.

7. Blame not before you have examined: Understand first, and then rebuke.

8. Answer not before you have heard; And interrupt not in the midst of speech.

9. Strive not in a matter that concerns you not; And where sinners judge, sit not you with them.

10. My son, be not busy about many matters: For if you meddle much, you shall not be unpunished; And if you pursue, you shall not overtake; And you shall not escape by fleeing.

11. There is one that toileth, and labores, and makes haste, And is so much the more behind.

Read complete chapter Sirach 11