A child or a city will preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom. Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing health; but better than either, a devoted wife. Wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal love.
Live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg. When one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life. His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings. In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
Sirach 40:19-20, 28-30
Fear not death's decree for you; remember, it embraces those before you, and those after. Thus God has ordained for all flesh; why then should you reject the will of the Most High? Whether one has lived a thousand years, a hundred, or ten, in the nether world he has no claim on life.
Have a care for your name, for it will stand by you better than precious treasures in the thousands. The boon of life is for limited days, but a good name, for days without number.
Sirach 41:3-4, 12-13
Keep a close watch on your daughter, lest she make you the sport of your enemies, a byword in the city, a reproach among the people, an object of derision in public gatherings. See that there is no lattice in her room, no place that overlooks the approaches to the house.
Let her not parade her charms before men, or spend her time with married women. For just as moths come from garments, so harm to women comes from women. Better a man's harshness than a woman's indulgence, and a frightened daughter than any disgrace.
Sirach 42:11-14
Lift up your voices to glorify the LORD, though he is still beyond your power to praise; Extol him with renewed strength, and weary not, though you cannot reach the end.
For who can see him and describe him? or who can praise him as he is? Beyond these, many things lie hid; only a few of his works have we seen. It is the LORD who has made all things, and to those who fear him he gives wisdom.
Sirach 43:30-33
Let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give him praise. Work at your tasks in due season, and in his own time God will give you your reward.
Sirach 51:29-30
Live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg. When one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life. His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings. In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
Sirach 40:19-20, 28-30
Fear not death's decree for you; remember, it embraces those before you, and those after. Thus God has ordained for all flesh; why then should you reject the will of the Most High? Whether one has lived a thousand years, a hundred, or ten, in the nether world he has no claim on life.
Have a care for your name, for it will stand by you better than precious treasures in the thousands. The boon of life is for limited days, but a good name, for days without number.
Sirach 41:3-4, 12-13
Keep a close watch on your daughter, lest she make you the sport of your enemies, a byword in the city, a reproach among the people, an object of derision in public gatherings. See that there is no lattice in her room, no place that overlooks the approaches to the house.
Let her not parade her charms before men, or spend her time with married women. For just as moths come from garments, so harm to women comes from women. Better a man's harshness than a woman's indulgence, and a frightened daughter than any disgrace.
Sirach 42:11-14
Lift up your voices to glorify the LORD, though he is still beyond your power to praise; Extol him with renewed strength, and weary not, though you cannot reach the end.
For who can see him and describe him? or who can praise him as he is? Beyond these, many things lie hid; only a few of his works have we seen. It is the LORD who has made all things, and to those who fear him he gives wisdom.
Sirach 43:30-33
Let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give him praise. Work at your tasks in due season, and in his own time God will give you your reward.
Sirach 51:29-30