Sirach

But don’t let yourself be misled by anything that follows.

Do not be ashamed of the Law of the Most High and his Covenant, of judging even the wicked fairly,

of keeping accounts with a traveling companion, and of sharing your inheritance with friends,

of checking weights and scales,

and in making a profit, whether small or great. Be honest in bargaining with traders and strict with children. Also, administer strict corporal punishment to a servant who deserves it.

With a nosy wife or when many people are around, it is wise to use a seal and lock!

For deposits, it is important to record both number and weight, and keep a written record of what you give and receive.

Don’t be ashamed to correct someone who is foolish, stupid, or an old man who has become childish. Doing so shows that you are well educated and that you will generally earn respect.

Care for the Daughter

A daughter causes her father hidden worries; anxiety about her keeps him awake: Is she young? She might not marry. Is she married? She could be disliked.

Is she a virgin? She could be seduced and become pregnant in her father’s house! Is she married? She might be unfaithful or unable to have children!

Is your daughter unruly? Watch her carefully, or she might make you a laughingstock to your enemies, the talk of the town, and a public disgrace.

Let her not display her beauty before any man, nor treat women familiarly,

for moths come from clothing, and feminine malice from women.

A man’s wickedness is better than a woman’s kindness; women bring shame and disgrace.

Third Part

Hymn to Nature and History

The Creator

Now I will remind you of the Lord’s works and share what I have seen. The Lord’s deeds rely on his word, and creation follows his will.

The sun shines on everything, and the work of the Lord is filled with his glory.

Not even to his holy ones has the Lord given full knowledge of all his marvelous works. The Lord, who is the Master of the universe, has ordained that all should stand firm in his glory.

He delves into both the depths of the abyss and the human heart, uncovering their secrets. For the Most High has full knowledge and ordains the signs of the heavens.

He knows the past, foretells the future, and reveals the traces of the world’s mysteries.

No thought escapes him, and no word is hidden from him.

He has ordered the marvelous works of his wisdom, from everlasting to everlasting. Nothing can be added, nothing can be taken away, and he has no need of counsel.

All his works are beautiful, right down to the tiniest spark of light.

All of this exists and lasts forever: everything is functional and obedient to his will.

All things exist in pairs, with one opposite the other, and nothing he creates is in any way lacking.

One thing highlights the greatness of the other; who could ever tire of admiring his glory?