Add parallel Print Page Options

32 To the poor also extend your hand,
    that your blessing may be complete.
33 Give your gift to all the living,
    and do not withhold your kindness from the dead.[a]
34 Do not avoid those who weep,
    but mourn with those who mourn.(A)
35 Do not hesitate to visit the sick,
    because for such things you will be loved.(B)

36 In whatever you do, remember your last days,
    and you will never sin.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 7:33 This seems to refer to the observances ordained toward the dead, that is, proper mourning and burial. Cf. 2 Sm 21:12–14; Tb 1:17–18; 12:12.
  2. 7:36 Never sin: because the last days of the sinner, it was presumed, would be troubled.
'Sirach 7:32-36' not found for the version: New International Version.

But with those in humble circumstances be patient;
    do not keep them waiting for your alms.
Because of the commandment, help the poor,
    and in their need, do not send them away empty-handed.(A)
10 Lose your money for relative or friend;
    do not hide it under a stone to rot.
11 Dispose of your treasure according to the commandments of the Most High,
    and that will profit you more than the gold.(B)
12 [a]Store up almsgiving in your treasury,
    and it will save you from every evil.
13 Better than a mighty shield and a sturdy spear
    it will fight for you against the enemy.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 29:12–13 In Ben Sira’s day, almsgiving and righteousness were practically identified.
'Sirach 29:8-13' not found for the version: New International Version.

(A)If one of your kindred is in need in any community in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor close your hand against your kin who is in need. Instead, you shall freely open your hand and generously lend what suffices to meet that need.(B) Be careful not to entertain the mean thought, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,” so that you would begrudge your kin who is in need and give nothing, and your kin would cry to the Lord against you and you would be held guilty.(C) 10 When you give, give generously and not with a stingy heart; for that, the Lord, your God, will bless you in all your works and undertakings. 11 The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you: “Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land.”(D)

Read full chapter

If anyone is poor(A) among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted(B) toward them. Rather, be openhanded(C) and freely lend them whatever they need. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts,(D) is near,” so that you do not show ill will(E) toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.(F) 10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart;(G) then because of this the Lord your God will bless(H) you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people(I) in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.(J)

Read full chapter

for almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life,(A)

Read full chapter
'Tobit 12:9' not found for the version: New International Version.

24 Therefore, O king, may my advice be acceptable to you; atone for your sins by good deeds,[a] and for your misdeeds by kindness to the poor; then your contentment will be long lasting.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4:24 Good deeds: the Aramaic word ṣidqâ has the root meaning of “righteousness,” but in a late text such as this could mean “almsgiving.”

24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree(A) the Most High has issued against my lord the king:

Read full chapter