Ben Sira - Chapter 4

(translation by Edgar Goodspeed)
4: 1 - 31
My child, do not defraud the poor of their living, and do not make the eyes of the needy wait.  Do not pain a hungry heart, and do not anger one who is in want.  Do not increase the troubles of a mind that is incensed, and do not put off giving to the needy.  Do not refuse a suppliant in his trouble, and do not avert your face from the poor.  Do not turn your eyes away from a beggar, and do not give anyone cause to curse you, for if he curses you in the bitterness of his spirit, Their creator will hear their prayer.  Make yourself beloved in the congregation, and bow your head to a great personage; Give a hearing to what the poor say, and give them a peaceful and gentle anwer.  Rescue a man who is being wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer, and do not be faint-hearted about giving your judgment.  Be like a father to the fatherless, and take the place of a husband to their mother.  Then you will be like a son of the Most High, and He will show you more than a mother's love.
Wisdom makes her sons exalted, and lays hold of those who seek her.  Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.  Whoever holds her fast will win glory; the Lord will bless every house He enters.  Those who serve her serve the Holy One, and the Lord loves those who love her.  Whoever obeys her will judge the heathen, and whoever attend to her will dwell in security.  If he trusts in her, he will possess her, and his descendants will retain possession of her.   For at first she will go with him in devious ways, she will bring fear and cowardice upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she can trust in his soul, and test him with her judgments.  Then she will come straight back to him again, and make him glad, and reveal her secrets to him.   If he wanders off, she will forsake him, and hand him over to his downfall.
Watch your opportunity and guard against evil, and do not have to feel shame for your soul.  For there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that is glory and favor.  Show regard for no one at the expense of your soul, and respect no one, to your own downfall.  Do not refrain from speaking when it is needed: for wisdom is known through speech, and instruction through the spoken word.  Do not contradict the truth, but feel shame for your want of education.  Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to force back the current of a river.  Do not make yourself a bed for a fool, and do not show partiality for a ruler; contend for the truth to the death, and the Lord will fight for you.  Do not be rash in speech, but slothful and slack in action.  Do not be like a lion at home, and unreasonable with your servants.  Do not stretch your hand out to receive, but close it when you should repay.