The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 40

1Great travail is created for every man, 2The expectation of things to come, and the day of death, The Greek text of this line is probably corrupt. Trouble their thoughts, and cause fear of heart; 3From him that sits on a throne of glory, 4From him that wears purple and a crown, 5There is wrath, and jealousy, and trouble, and disquiet, 6A little or nothing is his resting, 7In the very time of his deliverance he awakens, 8It is thus with all flesh, from man to beast, 9Death, and bloodshed, and strife, and sword, 10All these things were created for the wicked, 11All things that are of the earth turn to the earth again: all things that are of the waters return into the sea. 12All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out; 13The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, 14In opening his hands a man shall be made glad: 15The children of the ungodly shall not put forth many branches; are as unclean roots upon a sheer rock. 16The sedge that grows upon every water and bank of a river 17Bounty is as a garden of blessings, Gr. in. 18The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet; 19Children and the building of a city establish a man’s name; 20Wine and music rejoice the heart; 21The pipe and the lute make pleasant melody; 22Your eye shall desire grace and beauty; 23A friend and a companion never meet amiss; 24Brethren and succour are for a time of affliction; 25Gold and silver will make the foot stand sure; 26Riches and strength will lift up the heart; 27The fear of the Lord is as a garden of blessing, a man above all glory. Gr. him. 28My son, lead not a beggar’s life; 29A man that looks to the table of another, 30In the mouth of the shameless begging will be sweet;