← Back
←Previous: Sirach 28
Chapter 29
Next: Sirach 30→

Verse 1

He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.

Verse 2

Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.

Verse 3

Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.

Verse 4

Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.

Verse 5

Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.

Verse 6

If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.

Verse 7

Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.

Verse 8

Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.

Verse 9

Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.

Verse 10

Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.

Verse 11

Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.

Verse 12

Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.

Verse 13

It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.

Verse 14

An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.

Verse 15

Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.

Verse 16

A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:

Verse 17

And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] that delivered him.

Verse 18

Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.

Verse 19

A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.

Verse 20

Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.

Verse 21

The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.

Verse 22

Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man's house.

Verse 23

Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.

Verse 24

For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.

Verse 25

Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words:

Verse 26

Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.

Verse 27

Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.

Verse 28

These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.

←Previous: Sirach 28
Chapter 29
Next: Sirach 30→