Sirach 31
1 The hopes of a man void of
understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.
2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him
that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.
3 The vision of dreams is the
resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.
4 Of an unclean thing what can be
cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?
5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and
dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.
6 If they be not sent from the most
High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.
7 For dreams have deceived many, and
they have failed that put their trust in them.
8 The law shall be found perfect
without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.
9 A man that hath travelled knoweth
many things: and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom.
10 He that hath no experience knoweth
little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.
11 When I travelled, I saw many
things; and I understand more than I can express.
12 I was oft-times in danger of
death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
13 The spirit of those that fear the
Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them.
14 Whoso feareth the Lord shall not
fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.
15 Blessed is the soul of him that
feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?
16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon
them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence
from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling,
and an help from falling; 17 he
raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and
blessing.
18 He that sacrificeth of a thing
wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are
not accepted. 19 The most High is not
pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by
the multitude of sacrifices. 20 Whoso
bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the
son before his father's eyes. 21 The
bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of
blood. 22 He that taketh away his
neighbour's living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer his hire
is a bloodshedder.
23 When one buildeth, and another
pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
24 When one prayeth, and another
curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25 He that washeth himself after the
touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
26 So is it with a man that fasteth
for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer?
or what doth his humbling profit him?