The vengeful will suffer the LORD'S vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the LORD? Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins?
If he who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Sirach 28:1-6
Lend to your neighbor in his hour of need, and pay back your neighbor when a loan falls due; Keep your promise, be honest with him, and you will always come by what you need.
Many a man who asks for a loan adds to the burdens of those who help him; when he borrows, he kisses the lender's hand and speaks with respect of his creditor's wealth; but when payment is due he disappoints him and says he is helpless to meet the claim.
If the lender is able to recover barely half, he considers this an achievement; If not, he is cheated of his wealth and acquires an enemy at no extra charge; With curses and insults the borrower pays him back, with abuse instead of honor. Many refuse to lend, not out of meanness, but from fear of being cheated.
To a poor man, however, be generous; keep him not waiting for your alms; Because of the precept, help the needy, and in their want, do not send them away empty-handed.
Spend your money for your brother and friend, and hide it not under a stone to perish; Dispose of your treasure as the Most High commands, for that will profit you more than the gold. Store up almsgiving in your treasure house, and it will save you from every evil.
Life's prime needs are water, bread, and clothing, a house, too, for decent privacy. Better a poor man's fare under the shadow of one's own roof than sumptuous banquets among strangers.
Be it little or much, be content with what you have, and pay no heed to him who would disparage your home; A miserable life it is to go from house to house, for as a guest you dare not open your mouth.
Sirach 29:2-12, 21-24
Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the LORD? Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins?
If he who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Sirach 28:1-6
Lend to your neighbor in his hour of need, and pay back your neighbor when a loan falls due; Keep your promise, be honest with him, and you will always come by what you need.
Many a man who asks for a loan adds to the burdens of those who help him; when he borrows, he kisses the lender's hand and speaks with respect of his creditor's wealth; but when payment is due he disappoints him and says he is helpless to meet the claim.
If the lender is able to recover barely half, he considers this an achievement; If not, he is cheated of his wealth and acquires an enemy at no extra charge; With curses and insults the borrower pays him back, with abuse instead of honor. Many refuse to lend, not out of meanness, but from fear of being cheated.
To a poor man, however, be generous; keep him not waiting for your alms; Because of the precept, help the needy, and in their want, do not send them away empty-handed.
Spend your money for your brother and friend, and hide it not under a stone to perish; Dispose of your treasure as the Most High commands, for that will profit you more than the gold. Store up almsgiving in your treasure house, and it will save you from every evil.
Life's prime needs are water, bread, and clothing, a house, too, for decent privacy. Better a poor man's fare under the shadow of one's own roof than sumptuous banquets among strangers.
Be it little or much, be content with what you have, and pay no heed to him who would disparage your home; A miserable life it is to go from house to house, for as a guest you dare not open your mouth.
Sirach 29:2-12, 21-24