Alms of the Poor Sirach 3:29-30;4:1-10

 

Alms of the Poor Sirach 3:29-30;4:1-10

 

29 The mind of the wise man will ponder the words of the wise, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s desire.

30 Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.

31 Whoever repays favors gives thought to the future; at the moment of his falling he will find support.

4:1 My son, deprive not the poor of his living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.

2 Do not grieve the one who is hungry, nor anger a man in want.

3 Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar.

4 Do not reject an afflicted suppliant, nor turn your face away from the poor.

5 Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you;

6 for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer.

7 Make yourself beloved in the congregation; bow your head low to a great man.

8 Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gently.

9 Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer; and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.

10 Be like a father to orphans, and instead of a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.