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Alms for the Poor

30 As water quenches a flaming fire,
    so almsgiving atones for sins.(A)
31 The kindness people have done crosses their paths later on;
    should they stumble, they will find support.

Chapter 4

My child, do not mock the life of the poor;
    do not keep needy eyes[a] waiting.(B)
Do not grieve the hungry,
    nor anger the needy.
Do not aggravate a heart already angry,
    nor delay giving to the needy.
A beggar’s request do not reject;
    do not turn your face away from the poor.
From the needy do not turn your eyes;
    do not give them reason to curse you.
If in their pain they cry out bitterly,
    their Rock will hear the sound of their cry.

Social Conduct

Endear yourself to the assembly;
    before the city’s ruler bow your head.
Give a hearing to the poor,
    and return their greeting with deference;
Deliver the oppressed from their oppressors;(C)
    right judgment should not be repugnant to you.
10 Be like a father to orphans,
    and take the place of a husband to widows.
Then God will call you his child,
    and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.

Footnotes

  1. 4:1 Needy eyes: when the poor look for help; cf. 18:18.

Giving to the Poor

30 Giving to the poor can make up for sin, just as water can put out a blazing fire. 31 Anyone who responds to others with acts of kindness is thinking of the future, because he will find help if he ever falls on hard times. My child, don't prevent the poor from making a living, or keep them waiting in their need. Never give a hungry person any cause for resentment or anger. Don't add to the troubles of someone who is already desperate. If he is in need, don't put off giving to him. 4-5 Don't refuse to help a beggar who is in distress. Don't turn your back on a poor person or give him any reason to curse you. If he becomes so bitter that he does curse you, his Creator will hear his prayer.

Make yourself popular in the synagogue. Bow your head to men of authority. Listen to what the poor have to say, and answer them politely. Protect people from those who want to wrong them, and be firm in your judgments. 10 Be like a father to orphans, and provide widows with the help their husbands can no longer give them. Then you will be like a child of the Most High, and he will love you more than your own mother does.

'Sirach 3:30-4:10' not found for the version: New American Standard Bible.
'Sirach 3:30-4:10' not found for the version: New International Version.