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Sirach Ch. 11 Verses 7-17
Before investigating , find no fault:
examine first, then criticize.
Before hearing , answer not,
and interrupt no one in the middle
of his speech.
Dispute not about what is not your concern;
in the strife of the arrogant take no part.
My son, why increase your cares.
since he who is avid (greedy) for wealth
will not be blameless ?
Even if you will never overtake
it; however you seek it , you will not
find it.
One may toil and struggle and drive,
and fall short all the more.\
Another goes his way a weakling and a failure,
with little strength and great misery-
Yet the eyes of the Lord look favorably upon
him.
he raises him free of he vile dust.
Lifts up his head and exalts him
to the amazement of the many.
Good and evil, life and death,
poverty and riches , are from the Lord.
Wisdom and understanding and knowledge
of affairs , love and virtuous paths are from
the Lord.
Error and darkness were formed with sinners
from their birth,
and evil grows old with evildoers.
The Lord's gift remains with the just;
his favor brings continued success.
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Come to Me ; You make me brave
