Sirach 11 - Contemporary English Version Interconfessional Edition（CEVDCI）

1Those in power

always make room

for someone wise and humble.

2Do not praise or despise anyone

on the basis of their looks.

3The honeybee is very small,

but it makes

the sweetest food.

4Don't boast about your clothes

or act important

when you are honored.

Only the Lord does things

truly worthy of praise,

but he keeps them hidden

from our sight.

5Kings often lose their power

to those who had seemed

to be nobodies,

6while honored rulers

are captured and disgraced.

All Things Come from the Lord

7Find out the truth

before you criticize.

8Don't interrupt others—

hear them out,

then give your answer.

9If it's none of your business,

then don't argue with them,

and stay away from sinners

when they discuss what to do.

10Students, don't let yourself

become too busy.

If you do, you will sin

and not find success

or escape trouble.

11Some people work all day long

as hard as they can,

but they keep getting poorer.

12Others are poor and weak;

they work slowly

and always need help.

But the Lord shows kindness

13and to everyone's surprise,

he lifts them from poverty

and gives them honor.

14All things, whether good or bad,

come from the Lord.

He gives life and riches

or takes them away.

15The Lord gives wisdom

by teaching us

to understand his Law.

He helps us love each other

and do right.

16Sinners are dishonest

and live in darkness,

proud of their evil

from the day they are born,

and so evil will stay with them

until the day they die.

17But the Lord gives success

to his faithful people

and blesses them with gifts

that last forever.

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