Good News Bible Anglicised

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 4:15-27 Good News Bible Anglicised (GNBDC)

15. Those who obey her will give sound judgements; those who pay attention to her have true security.

16. Put your trust in Wisdom, and you will possess her and pass her on to your descendants.

17. At first, Wisdom will lead you along difficult paths. She will make you so afraid that you will think you cannot go on. The discipline she demands will be tormenting, and she will put you to the test with her requirements until she trusts you completely.

18. Then she will come to you with no delay, reveal her secrets to you, and make you happy.

19. But if you go astray, she will abandon you and let you go to your own ruin.

20. Take advantage of opportunities, but guard yourself against evil. Don't under-rate yourself.

21. Humility deserves honour and respect, but a low opinion of yourself leads to sin.

22. Do not let others have their way at your expense; do not bring on your own ruin by giving up your rights.

23. Never hesitate to speak out when the occasion calls for it. Don't hide your wisdom.

24. Your wisdom and education can be known only by what you say.

25. Do not, however, go against the truth, and remember that you do not know everything.

26. Don't be ashamed to confess your sins; there's no point in trying to stop a river from flowing.

27. Don't allow yourself to be dominated by someone who is stupid or show partiality to influential people.