Christian Community Bible
Sirach
33
1 Evil will not go to meet the one who fears the Lord
2 The wise man never departs from the Law
3 An intelligent man has faith in the Law, which for him is as trustworthy as an oracle.
4 If you want people to listen to you, prepare what you have to say
6 A mocking friend is like a wild horse, neighing when anyone rides him.
7 Why is one day holier than another, when the light of the sun shines on every day of the year? 8 By the Lords decision they were made different
9 Some of these he chose to make holy, others he made ordinary days. 10 All human beings come from clay just as Adam himself was formed. 11 In the fullness of his wisdom the Lord made each one unique and diversified his conditions.
12 Some he made holy, keeping them near to himself. Others he cursed and humi liated, removing them from where they were.
13 As clay in the hand of the potter to be molded as he pleases, so are all in the hands of the Creator to be dealt with as he sees fit.
14 Good is the opposite of evil, and life, of death, and the sinner is the opposite of the upright. 15 Consider all the works of the Most High and you will see how they go in pairs, by opposites.
16 As for me I have been the last to keep watch, like a gleaner following the grape-pickers. 17 By the blessing of the Lord I have taken the lead and like the grape-picker I have filled the winepress. 18 Note that not only for myself have I toiled, but for all who seek instruction. 19 Hear me, rulers of the people, leaders of the assembly hear!
20 Neither to son, wife, brother nor friend give power over yourself during your life. Do not give your property to another in case you regret it and have to beg them to return it.
21 As long as you live and there is breath in you, do not give power over yourself to anyone. 22 It is preferable for your children to be dependent on you, than that you be obliged to depend on them. 23 Be master of all that you do
24 Wait until the end of your days, until death is near, to distribute your inheritance.
Your slaves
25 Fodder, stick and burdens are for the donkey
26 Put your slave to work and you will have peace. Let him take it easy and he will want to be free. 27 Yoke and harness will bow the neck. For a criminal slave there are torture and the stocks.
28 Send him to work or he will be idle, and idleness teaches much evil. 29 Give him work that is appropriate for him
30 But do not be over-demanding with anyone and do nothing without discernment.
31 You have a slave? Let him be like you
32 You have a slave? Treat him like a brother. You need him as you need yourself. 33 If you ill-treat him and he escapes, where will you go to look for him?
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