Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 3:21-34 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

21. For only the power of God is great, and he is honored by the humble.

22. You should not seek the things that are too high for you, and you should not examine the things that are beyond your ability. But as for the things that God has entrusted to you, consider these always. But you should not be curious in too many of his works.

23. For it is not necessary for you to see with your own eyes the things that are hidden.

24. In unnecessary matters, do not choose to be an examiner of many different things, and you should not be curious about too many of his works.

25. For many things have been revealed to you, beyond the understanding of men.

26. Yet uncertainty in these things has also undermined many persons and has detained their minds in vanity.

27. A hardened heart will have evil in the very end, and he who loves peril will perish in it.

28. A heart advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved heart will be scandalized in this way.

29. A wicked heart will be burdened with sorrows, and a sinner will add further sins.

30. The synagogue of the arrogant will not be healed. For the stalk of sinfulness will take root in them, and it will not be understood.

31. The heart of the wise is understood by wisdom, and a good ear will listen to wisdom with all its desire.

32. A wise and understanding heart will abstain from sins, and will have success in works of justice.

33. Water extinguishes a burning fire, and almsgiving withstands sins.

34. And God is the watchman for him who repays a kindness. He remembers him afterwards, and in the time of his fall, he will find a firm support.