Chapter
Sirach 40

Book of Sirach - Chapter 40

Sirach 40:1

Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.

Sirach 40:2

Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;

Sirach 40:3

From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;

Sirach 40:4

From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.

Sirach 40:5

Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.

Sirach 40:6

A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.

Sirach 40:7

When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.

Sirach 40:8

[Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.

Sirach 40:9

Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;

Sirach 40:10

These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.

Sirach 40:11

All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.

Sirach 40:12

All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.

Sirach 40:13

The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.

Sirach 40:14

While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.

Sirach 40:15

The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.

Sirach 40:16

The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.

Sirach 40:17

Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.

Sirach 40:18

To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.

Sirach 40:19

Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.

Sirach 40:20

Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.

Sirach 40:21

The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.

Sirach 40:22

Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.

Sirach 40:23

A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.

Sirach 40:24

Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.

Sirach 40:25

Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.

Sirach 40:26

Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.

Sirach 40:27

The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.

Sirach 40:28

My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.

Sirach 40:29

The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.

Sirach 40:30

Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.

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