Sirach 33

1He who fears the Lord will suffer no harm, and in trial He will rescue him. 2A wise man will not hate the law, but he who pretends is like a ship in a storm. 3An understanding person will trust in the word, and the law is as familiar to him as an inquiry to the oracles. 4Prepare your words, and you shall be heard, bind discipline to yourself and answer. 5The mind of a fool is like a cartwheel, and his thoughts like a turning axle. 6A horse that neighs under every rider is like a mocking friend. 7Why is one day better than another, when the light of every day in the year is of the sun? 8By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished, and He altered seasons and feasts. 9Some He exalted and sanctified, and some He set among the number of days. 10All men are from the ground, and Adam was created from earth. 11In the fullness of His understanding, the Lord distinguished them and changed their paths. 12Some He blessed and exalted, and some He sanctified and drew near to Himself; others He cursed and brought low, overturning them from their position. 13Like clay in the potter’s hand, to be molded according to His will, so are men in the hand of their Maker, to be given back according to His judgment. 14Good is set against evil, and life against death; so is the sinner against the godly. 15So look upon all the works of the Most High, two by two, one against another. 16And I was the last to keep watch, as one who gleans after the grape gatherers. 17By the blessing of the Lord I advanced, and like a gatherer, I filled the winepress. 18Consider that I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek discipline. 19Hear me, O great men of the people, and hearken, O rulers of the congregation. 20Do not give power over yourself to a son, wife, brother, or friend during your life; and do not give your possessions to another, lest you regret it and have to beg for them. 21While you live and have breath in you, do not let yourself be replaced by any other flesh. 22It is better for your children to ask from you than for you to look to the hands of your sons. 23In all your works keep to excellence, and do not let reproach tarnish your honor. 24At the end of your days, and at the time of death, distribute your inheritance. 25Fodder, a stick, and burdens for a donkey; bread, discipline, and work for a servant. 26Discipline your servant, and you will find peace; reach out to him, and he will seek freedom. 27A yoke and a harness will bow the neck, and for a wicked servant, there are torture and torments. 28Set him to work, that he may not be idle; 29for idleness teaches much evil. 30Assign him work that is fitting for him; if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy. And do not exalt yourself above all flesh, and do nothing without thought. 31If you have a servant, treat him as yourself, because you bought him with blood. If you have a servant, deal with him as a brother, for you need him as yourself. 32If you mistreat him and he goes away, by which way will you seek him?