Sirach 32:15–24

15 hHe that seeketh out the Law ishall gain heri,

jBut the hypocritej shall be snared therebyh.

16 k lThey that fear Jahveh discern His judgementl,

mAnd elicit guidance from the darknessmk.

17 nThe man of violencen owresteth reproofso,

pẠnd forceth the Law to suit his necessityp.

(b) 32:(35:)18–24. Forethought before action

(= 2 + 2 + 2 distichs).

18 q rA wise manr swill not conceal understandings,

tAnd a scornert uwill not receive instructionuq.

19 vWithout counsel carry out nothing;

wAnd after the deedw, xrue it notx.

HB 20 yIn a way set with snaresy walk not,

And stumble not zat an obstacle twicez.

21 a bBe not carelessb cin a way …c

22  dAnd in thy paths be waryd a.

23 e fIn all thy works guard thyselff,

gFor he that so doeth keepeth the commandmentg e.

24 hHe that observeth the Law guardeth himselfh,

And he that trusteth in Jahveh ishall not be brought to shamei.

(c) 33:(36:)1–3. Loyalty to God’s Law brings its own reward

(= 3 distichs).