Sirach 4
One should treat the poor with kindness and respect, not turning away from those in need or delaying aid. In contrast, one should be merciful and humble, especially towards the orphan and the widow. Wisdom is a guiding force that brings life and protection to those who seek her, and those who love her will inherit life and be blessed by God. One should also be truthful and honest, not ashamed to speak the truth or confess sins, and should strive for justice even in the face of adversity.
Son, you should not cheat the poor out of alms, nor should you avert your eyes from a poor manYou should not despise the hungry soul, and you should not aggravate a poor man in his needYou should not afflict the heart of the needy, and you should not delay an offer to someone in anguishYou should not make requests of one who is greatly troubled, and you should not avert your face from the indigentYou should not avert your eyes from the needy out of anger. And you should not abandon those who seek help from you, so that they speak curses behind your backFor the pleadings of him who speaks curses of you, in the bitterness of his soul, will be heeded. For the One who made him will heed himMake yourself a friend to the congregation of the poor, and humble your soul before an elder, and humble your head before the greatTurn your ear without sadness toward the poor, and repay your debt, and respond to him peacefully in meeknessFree him who suffers injury at the hand of the arrogant, and do not carry animosity in your soulIn judging, be merciful to the orphan, like a father, and be merciful to their mother, like a husbandAnd then you shall be like an obedient son of the Most High, and he will take pity on you more than a mother wouldWisdom breathes life into her sons, and she lifts up those who are seeking her, and she will precede them in the way of justiceAnd he who loves her loves life. And those who watch for her shall embrace her delightsThose who hold to her will inherit life. And whatever place she enters, God will blessThose who serve her will yield to what is holy. And God loves those who love wisdomHe who listens to her shall judge the nations. And he who gazes upon her will remain secureIf he believes in her, he will inherit her, and whatever arises from him will be confirmedFor she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginningShe will lead fear and dread and trials over him, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his soulAnd then she will strengthen him, and lead him along a straight path, and rejoice in himAnd she will disclose her secrets to him, and she will store up treasure, of the knowledge and understanding of justice, in himBut if he has wandered astray, she will leave him behind, and she will deliver him into the hands of his enemySon, be continually observant, and keep away from evilFor the sake of your soul, you should not be ashamed to speak the truthFor there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that brings glory and graceYou should not accept a face contrary to your own face, nor should you accept a lie contrary to your own soulYou should not enjoy the fall of your neighborNeither should you withhold words at an opportunity for salvation. You should not conceal your wisdom in her beautyFor wisdom is discerned within speech. And understanding and knowledge and doctrine are discerned in the words of those who understand and by their steadfastness in the works of justiceYou should not contradict a word of truth in any way. Otherwise, by a falsehood born of ignorance, you will be confoundedYou should not be ashamed to confess your sins, but do not subject yourself to any man because of sinDo not choose to stand against the face of the powerful, for you should not strive against the current of the riverSuffer for justice, on behalf of your soul, and struggle, even unto death, on behalf of justice, and God will fight against your enemies on your behalfDo not choose to be quick with your words, nor unproductive or neglectful in your worksDo not choose to be like a lion in your house, distressing those of your household, and oppressing those who are subject to youDo not let your hand be open when receiving, but closed when giving
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