Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 21:6-16 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

6. Supplications from the mouth of the pauper will reach all the way to the ears of God, and judgment will come to him quickly.

7. Whoever hates correction is walking in the steps of a sinner. But whoever fears God will convert within his heart.

8. He who has power by means of a bold tongue will be known from far away. But an understanding man knows to slip past him.

9. Whoever builds his house, paid for by another, is like one who gathers his building stones in winter.

10. The synagogue of sinners is like stubble piled up; for the end of them both is a burning fire.

11. The way of sinners is paved and level, and at their end is hell and darkness and punishments.

12. Whoever observes justice will obtain an understanding of it.

13. The consummation of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.

14. One who is not wise in goodness will not accept instruction.

15. Now there is a wisdom which abounds in evil. But there is no understanding where there is bitterness.

16. The knowledge of the wise will increase like a flood, and his counsel will continue like a fountain of life.