Sirach

Chapter-32

Sirach 32:1 Have they appointed you as a leader? Do not be willing to be extolled. Be among them as one of them.

 

Sirach 32:2 Have concern for them, and in this way sit down with them, and when you have explained all your concerns, sit back.

 

Sirach 32:3 Then you may rejoice because of them, and you may receive a crown as an adornment of grace, and so obtain the dignity of the assembly.

 

Sirach 32:4 Speak, you who are greater by birth. For it is fitting for you

 

Sirach 32:5 to speak the first word with careful knowledge. But you should not hinder the music.

 

Sirach 32:6 Where no one is listening, you should not pour out words. And do not choose to be extolled improperly for your wisdom.

 

Sirach 32:7 A gemstone of garnet is set amid an ornament of gold, and a concert of music is set amid a banquet of wine.

 

Sirach 32:8 Just as a signet of emerald is set amid a work of gold, so is a melody of music set amid delightful and moderate wine.

 

Sirach 32:9 Listen silently, and for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.

 

Sirach 32:10 Young man, speak in your own case only reluctantly.

 

Sirach 32:11 If you have been asked twice, let your response be concise.

 

Sirach 32:12 In many matters, be as if you lack knowledge, and listen silently as well as intently.

 

Sirach 32:13 In the midst of great men, you should not be presumptuous. And where the elders are present, you should not speak much.

 

Sirach 32:14 Lightning goes before a hailstorm, and grace goes before modesty. And so, for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.

 

Sirach 32:15 And at the hour for rising, you should not be lax. Later, be the first to run ahead to your house, and there withdraw, and there take your pastime.

 

Sirach 32:16 And act according to your intentions, but not in sin and not in arrogant speech.

 

Sirach 32:17 And for all these things, bless the Lord, who made you, and who fills you to overflowing with all his good things.

 

Sirach 32:18 Whoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessing.

 

Sirach 32:19 Whoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treachery.

 

Sirach 32:20 Those who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a light.

 

Sirach 32:21 A sinful man will shun correction, and he will find a rationalization in accord with his own will.

 

Sirach 32:22 A man of counsel will not reject understanding. A strange and arrogant man will not be disturbed by fear.

 

Sirach 32:23 Even so, after he has acted out of fear and without counsel, he will be rebuked by his own criticism.

 

Sirach 32:24 Son, you should do nothing without counsel, and then you will not regret what you have done.

 

Sirach 32:25 You should not go into the way of ruin, and you then will not stumble on stones. You should not commit yourself to a laborious way; otherwise, you may set up a scandal against your own soul.

 

Sirach 32:26 And be cautious concerning your own sons. And be attentive to those of your own household.

 

Sirach 32:27 In all of your works, trust your soul to faith. For this is the keeping of the commandments.

 

Sirach 32:28 Whoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished.