The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 11

1The wisdom of the lowly will lift up his head, 2Commend not a man for his beauty; 3The bee is little among such as fly; 4Glory not in the putting on of raiment, 5Many kings have sat down upon the ground; Gr. tyrants 6Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; 7Blame not before you have examined: 8Answer not before you have heard; 9Strive not in a matter that concerns you not; 10My son, be not busy about many matters: 11There is one that toileth, and labores, and makes haste, 12There is one that is sluggish, and has need of help, 13And lifted up his head; 14Good things and evil, life and death, 15Verses 15 and 16 are omitted by the best authorities. 17The gift of the Lord remains with the godly, 18There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching, 19When he says, I have found rest, 20Be stedfast in your covenant, and be conversant therein, 21Marvel not at the works of a sinner; 22The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly; 23Say not, What use is there of me? 24Say not, I have sufficient, 25In the day of good things there is a forgetfulness of evil things; 26For it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord 27The affliction of an hour causes forgetfulness of delight; 28Call no man blessed before his death; 29Bring not every man into your house; 30As a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of a proud man; your falling. 31For he lies in wait to turn things that are good into evil; 32From a spark of fire a heap of many coals is kindled; 33Take heed of an evil-doer, for he contriveth wicked things; 34Receive a stranger into your house, and he will distract you with brawls,