Sirach 40

40Much occupation hath God apportioned,

And heavy is the yoke upon the sons of men—

From the day that he cometh forth from his mother’s womb,

Until the day when he returnethto the mother of all living:

Preoccupation and anxiety of heart,

And watchfulness for the future, till the day of his death!

From him that sitteth in exaltation on a throne,

Unto him that is clothed with dust and ashes;

From him that weareth diadem and plate,

Even unto him that wearetha garment of hair:

⁽Naught but⁽ anger and jealousy, anxiety and fear,

Terror of death, strife, and contention!

And what time he resteth upon his bed,

The sleep of night doubleth ^[his distraction^[.

For a little, vainly—for a moment—he reposeth,

And then is disturbed by dreams:

Deceived by the vision of his soul,

He is like a fugitive fleeing from before the pursuer—

^[Now roused he waketh from his sleep^[,

And his vision ⁽?⁽ …

⁽There are⁽ with all flesh, both man and beast,

Yea and upon the ungodly sevenfold:

Pestilence and bloodshed, blight and drought,

Devastation and destruction, famine and plague.

For the wickedevil is created,

And on his account ^[destruction is imposed^[.

All things that are from the earth return to the earth,

And what is from on high ⁽returneth⁽ on high.

All that is false and unjust is destroyed,

But what is true abideth for ever.

Wealth unjustly gotten^[cometh to an end^[ like a torrent,

And like a water-course that is mighty in a thunder-storm:

With its onrush ^[rocks are rolled away^[—

Even so doth ^[plunder^[ suddenly come to an end.

A branch ⁽sprung⁽ from violence^[hath no tender twig^[,

For an impious rootis on the point of a crag:

Like reed-stalks ⁽?⁽on the bank of a torrent,

Which are consumed before any ⁽other^{( [}plant^[.

But kindness shall never be moved,

And righteousness is established for aye.

A life of wine and strong drink is sweet,

But better than both is he that findeth a treasure.

Child and city establish a name,

But better than both is he that findeth wisdom.

Young cattle and planting make ^[abundance^[ to flourish,

But better than both is a woman beloved.

Wine ^[and song^[ rejoice the heart,

But better than both is the affection of lovers.

Pipe and harp make sweet the song,

But better than both is a tongue sincere.

Grace and beautycharm the eye,

But better than both are the crops of the field.

A friend and companion will each conduct himself opportunely,

But better than both is a discreet wife.

A brother and helper will come to the rescue in a time of adversity,

But more than both doth righteousness deliver.

Gold and silver make the foot stand sure,

But better than both is good counsel.

Wealth and strength lift up the heart,

But better than both is the fear of God.

In the fear of Jahveh there is no want,

And with it there is no need to seek support.

The fear of God is a very Eden of blessing,

And its canopy ⁽stretcheth⁽ over all that is glorious.

My son, live not a beggar’s life;

Better is one dead than importunate.

A man that looketh to a stranger’s table—

His life is not to be reckoned as a life:

A pollution of his soul are the dainties presented,

And to an understanding man inward torture.

In the mouth of an insatiable ⁽man⁽ begging is sweet,

But inwardly it burneth as fire.