Ben Sira - chapter 34

34: 1-31 (translated by Edgar Goodspeed) - his numbering diverges from NRSV versification -
Vain and delusive are the hopes of the senseless, and dreams give wings to fools.  As one who catches at a shadow, and chases the wind, is anyone who is absorbed in dreams.  A vision of dreams is this against that, the likeness of one face before another.  From an unclean thing what can be clean?  And from something false what can be true?  Divinations and omens and dreams are folly, and fancies of the mind like those of a woman in travail, unless they are sent from the Most High as a warning, do not pay any attention to them, for dreams have deceived many, and setting their hopes on them has led to their downfall.  The Law must be observed without any such falsehoods, and wisdom finds perfection in truthful lips.
A well-taught man knows a great deal, and a man of experience will discourse with understanding.  The man who has not been tested knows little, but he who has wandered far gains great ingenuity.  I have seen much in my travels, and I understand more than I can describe; I have often been in danger of death, but I have been saved by these qualities/experiences.
The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live, for their hope is in Him who can save them.  Those who fear the Lord will have no dread, and will not be afraid, for He is their hope.  Happy is the soul that fears the Lord!  To whom does that one look? And who is his support?  The eyes of the Lord rest on those who love Him, a mighty shield, a strong support, a shelter from the hot wind and the noonday heat, a guard against stumbling and a defense against falling.  He lifts up the soul and gives light to the eyes, and bestows healing, life, and blessing.
If one sacrifices gifts that were wrongfully obtained, they are blemished, and the gifts of the sinful are not acceptable.  The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the ungodly, and one cannot atone for sins with a great number of sacrifices.  The man who offers a sacrifice from the property of the poor sacrifices a son before his father's eyes.  Scanty fare is the living of the poor; the man who deprives them of it is a murderous man.  The man who takes away his neighbor's living murders him, and the man who deprives a hired man of his wages is guilty of bloodshed.  One builds and another tears down; what do they gain but toil?  One prays and another curses; which one's voice will the Lord listen to?  If one washes after touching a corpse and then touches it again, what good has his bath done him?  That is the way with a man who fasts for his sins, and goes and does the same things over.  Who will listen to his prayer?  What has he gained by humiliating himself?