Sirach 33

1 No evil will meet the person who fears the Lord; even in testing, the Lord will rescue him again.

2 A wise man will not hate the law, but a hypocrite who handles it is like a ship in a storm.

3 An understanding person trusts the law, and the law is as reliable to him as an oracular answer.

4 Prepare your words and then you will be heard; bind your instruction together before you answer.

5 A fool’s heart is like a wagon wheel, and his thoughts are like a turning axle.

6 A mocking friend is like a stallion in heat that neighs beneath every rider.

7 Why does one day surpass another when all the daylight in the year comes from the sun?

8 The Lord’s knowledge distinguished the days, and he appointed different seasons and festivals.

9 He raised some days up and made them holy, while he counted others as ordinary days.

10 All people came from the ground, and Adam was created from earth.

11 In his great knowledge the Lord distinguished them and made their ways different.

12 He blessed and exalted some, made some holy and brought them near himself, but he cursed and humbled others and removed them from their places.

13 As clay is in a potter’s hand to shape as he wishes, so human beings are in the hand of their Maker, who repays them according to his judgment.

14 Good stands opposite evil, life opposite death, and the devout person opposite the sinner.

15 Look at all the works of the Most High: they come in pairs, one opposite the other.

16 I woke last of all, like someone gleaning after the grape gatherers.

17 By the Lord’s blessing I advanced and filled my winepress like a grape gatherer.

18 Consider that I labored not only for myself but for everyone who seeks instruction.

19 Listen to me, great men of the people; rulers of the assembly, hear me.

20 While you live, do not give your son, wife, brother, or friend authority over you, and do not give your possessions to another, or you may regret it and have to beg for them back.

21 As long as you live and have breath in you, do not hand yourself over to anyone.

22 It is better for your children to seek help from you than for you to look to your children’s hands.

23 Maintain authority in all your works, and leave no stain on your honor.

24 When your days are ending and your life is finished, distribute your inheritance.

25 Fodder, a rod, and burdens are for a donkey; bread, discipline, and work are for a slave.

26 Set a slave to work, and you will find rest; leave his hands idle, and he will seek freedom.

27 A yoke and strap bend the neck; the rack and torture are for a wicked slave.

28 Send him to work so that he is not idle, for idleness teaches much evil.

29 Set him to the work suited to him; if he does not obey, make his restraints heavier.

30 Do not be excessive toward anyone, and do nothing without judgment.

31 If you own a slave, treat him as yourself, because you bought him with blood.

32 If you own a slave, treat him as a brother, because you need him as you need your own soul.

33 If you mistreat him and he runs away, on what road will you look for him?