New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 28:20-26 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

20. For its yoke is a yoke of iron,and its chains are chains of bronze;

21. The death it inflicts is an evil death,even Sheol is preferable to it.

22. It will have no power over the godly,nor will they be burned in its flame.

23. But those who forsake the Lord will fall victim to it,as it burns among them unquenchably;It will hurl itself against them like a lion,and like a leopard, it will tear them to pieces.

24. As you fence in your property with thorns,so make a door and a bolt for your mouth.

25. As you lock up your silver and gold,so make balances and scales for your words.

26. Take care not to slip by your tongueand fall victim to one lying in ambush.