Sirach 22:19-27

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

¹⁹ A frame of wood bound together in the foundation of a building, shall not be loosed: so neither shall the heart that is established by advised counsel.

²⁰ The thought of him that is wise at all times, shall not be depraved by fear.

²¹ As pales set in high places, and plasterings made without cost, will not stand against the face of the wind:

²² So also a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool shall not resist against the violence of fear.

²³ As a fearful heart in the thought of a fool at all times will not fear, so neither shall he that continueth always in the commandments of God.

²⁴ He that pricketh the eye, bringeth out tears: and he that pricketh the heart, bringeth forth resentment.

²⁵ He that flingeth a stone at birds, shall drive them away: so he that upbraideth his friend, breaketh friendship.

²⁶ Although thou hast drawn a sword at a friend, despair not: for there may be a returning. To a friend,

²⁷ If thou hast opened a sad mouth, fear not, for there may be a reconciliation: except upbraiding, and reproach, and pride, and disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for in all these cases a friend will flee away.