Sirach · Updated Brenton English Septuagint
Sirach 32 Updated Brenton English Septuagint
Notes on this text (1)
- Same Septuagint text as Brenton, with modernised spelling.
1 He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: He that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.
1 Have they made you ruler of a feast? Don’t be lifted up. Be among them as one of them. Take care of them first, and then sit down.
2 He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour; And he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
2 And when you have done all your duties, take your place, that you may be gladdened on their account, and receive a wreath for your good service.
3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; And to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
3 Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge; and don’t interrupt the music.
4 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
4 Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music. Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time.
5 For all these things [are to be done] because of the commandment.
5 As a ruby signet in a setting of gold, so is a music concert at a wine banquet.
6 The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, And the sweet savor thereof [is] before the most High.
6 As an emerald signet in a work of gold, so is musical melody with pleasant wine.
7 The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, And the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked.
8 Give the Lord his honor with a good eye, And diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.
8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.
9 In all thy gifts show a cheerful countenance, And dedicate thy tithes with gladness.
9 When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t babble.
10 Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; And as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
10 Lightning speeds before thunder. Approval goes before one who is modest.
11 For the Lord recompenseth, And will give thee seven times as much.
11 Rise up in good time, and don’t be last. Go home quickly and don’t loiter
12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts: for such he will not receive: And trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; For the Lord is judge, And with him is no respect of persons.
12 Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart. Don’t sin by proud speech.
13 He will not accept any person against a poor man, But will hear the prayer of the oppressed.
13 For these things bless your Maker, who gives you to drink freely of his good things.
14 He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; Nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
14 He who fears the Lord will receive discipline. Those who seek him early will find favor.
15 Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks? And is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
15 He who seeks the law shall be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
16 He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favor, And his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.
16 Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment, and will kindle righteous acts like a light.
17 The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: And till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; And will not depart, till the most High shall behold To judge righteously, and execute judgment.
17 A sinful man shuns reproof, and will find a judgment according to his will.
18 For the Lord will not be slack, Neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, Till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, And repaid vengeance to the heathen; Till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, And broken the scepter of the unrighteous;
18 A sensible person won’t neglect a thought. An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear, even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel.
19 Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, And to the works of men according to their devices; Till he have judged the cause of his people, And made them to rejoice in his mercy.
19 Do nothing without counsel, but when you have acted, don’t regret it.
20 Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, As clouds of rain in the time of drought.
20 Don’t go in a way of conflict. Don’t stumble in stony places. 21 Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road. 22 Beware of your own children. 23 In every work guard your own soul, for this is the keeping of the commandments. 24 He who believes the law gives heed to the commandment. He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss.