The Holy See
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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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Chapter 5

1

1 Rely not on your wealth; say not: "I have the power."

2

Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart.

3

Say not: "Who can prevail against me?" for the LORD will exact the punishment.

4

Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" for the LORD bides his time.

5

Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin.

6

Say not: "Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive."

7

For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath.

8

Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day;

9

For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed.

10

Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

11

2 Winnow not in every wind, and start not off in every direction.

12

3 Be consistent in your thoughts; steadfast be your words.

13

Be swift to hear, but slow to answer.

14

If you have the knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth.

15

Honor and dishonor through talking! A man's tongue can be his downfall.

16

Be not called a detractor; use not your tongue for calumny;

17

For shame has been created for the thief, and the reproach of his neighbor for the double-tongued.

 

 




1 [1-10] The vices of the rich are pride and independence ( Sirach 5:1-2), presumption ( Sirach 5:3), false security ( Sirach 5:4-7), and impenitence ( Sirach 5:8), which cannot escape the divine wrath ( Sirach 5:9, 10). Cf Proverb 18:23; 19:1; 28:6.



2 [11] A proverbial expression condemning inconstancy and advocating sincerity and honesty.



3 [ 5:12- 6:1] Proper use of the tongue requires constancy in speech ( Sirach 5:12), prudence ( Sirach 5:13-14), reserve ( Sirach 5:15), charity ( Sirach 6:1), as well as the avoidance of detraction, calumny ( Sirach 6:16), and double talk, which bring shame and disgrace ( Sirach 5:15; 6:1).






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