Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 31:1-7 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1. Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep.

2. Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober.

3. The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods.

4. The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need.

5. Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it.

6. Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty.

7. Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it.