- 1
Blessed is the man who has not slipped with his mouth, and doesn’t suffer from sorrow for sins.
- 2
Blessed is he whose soul does not condemn him, and who has not given up hope.
- 3
Riches are not appropriate for a stingy person. What would a miser do with money?
- 4
He who gathers by denying himself gathers for others. Others will revel in his goods.
- 5
If one is mean to himself, to whom will he be good? He won’t enjoy his possessions.
- 6
There is none more evil than he who is grudging to himself. This is a punishment for his wickedness.
- 7
Even if he does good, he does it in forgetfulness. In the end, he reveals his wickedness.
- 8
A miser is evil. He turns away and disregards souls.
- 9
A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion. Wicked injustice dries up his soul.
- 10
A miser begrudges bread, and it is lacking at his table.
- 11
My son, according to what you have, treat yourself well, and bring worthy offerings to the Lord.
- 12
Remember that death will not wait, and that the covenant of Hades hasn’t been shown to you.
- 13
Do good to your friends before you die. According to your ability, reach out and give to them.
- 14
Don’t deprive yourself of a good day. Don’t let your share of a desired good pass you by.
- 15
Won’t you leave your labors to another, and your toils be divided by lot?
- 16
Give, take, and treat yourself well, because there is no seeking of luxury in Hades.
- 17
All flesh grows old like a garment, for the covenant from the beginning is, “You must die!”
- 18
Like the leaves flourishing on a thick tree, some it sheds, and some grow, so also are the generations of flesh and blood: one comes to an end and another is born.
- 19
Every work rots and falls away, and its builder will depart with it.
- 20
Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom, and who reasons by his understanding.
- 21
He who considers her ways in his heart will also have knowledge of her secrets.
- 22
Go after her like a hunter, and lie in wait in her paths.
- 23
He who peers in at her windows will also listen at her doors.
- 24
He who lodges close to her house will also fasten a nail in her walls.
- 25
He will pitch his tent near at hand to her, and will lodge in a lodging where good things are.
- 26
He will set his children under her shelter, and will rest under her branches.
- 27
By her he will be covered from heat, and will lodge in her glory.
Bible: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain, via eBible.org. Footnotes, section headings and acrostic letters are not reproduced.