Sirach 22 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 22The Idler

1The idler is like a filthy stone,

and every one hisses at his disgrace.

2The idler is like a lump of dung;

anyone who picks it up will shake it off his hand.

Degenerate Children

3 Wisdom and Folly

9Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together

or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.

10Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man,

and at the end he will say, “What is it?”

11

Stay clear of them, or you may have trouble

and be spattered when they shake themselves off.

Avoid them and you will find rest,

and you will never be wearied by their lack of sense.

14What is heavier than lead?

And what is its name except “Fool”?

15 set on a high place

will not stand firm against the wind;

so a timid mind with a fool’s resolve

will not stand firm against any fear.

The Preservation of Friendship

19One who pricks the eye brings tears,

and one who pricks the heart makes clear its feelings.

20 with him in his prosperity.

Stand by him in time of distress,

so that you may share with him in his inheritance.

24 Prov 15.18; 26.21 The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;

so insults precede bloodshed.

25I am not ashamed to shelter a friend,

and I will not hide from him,

26but if harm should come to me because of him,

whoever hears of it will beware of him.

A Prayer for Help against Sinning

27 Ps 39.1; 141.3; Sir 28.25 Who will set a guard over my mouth

and an effective seal upon my lips,

so that I may not fall because of them

and my tongue may not destroy me?