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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.

Alms for the Poor

30 Water extinguishes a blazing fire:
    so almsgiving atones for sin.
31 Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future;
    at the moment of his falling he will find support.

Duties toward the Poor and the Oppressed

My son, deprive not the poor of his living,
    and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
Do not grieve the one who is hungry,
    nor anger a man in want.
Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind,
    nor delay your gift to a beggar.
Do not reject an afflicted suppliant,
    nor turn your face away from the poor.
Do not avert your eye from the needy,
    nor give a man occasion to curse you;
for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you,
    his Creator will hear his prayer.

Make yourself beloved in the congregation;
    bow your head low to a great man.
Incline your ear to the poor,
    and answer him peaceably and gently.
Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer;
    and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
10 Be like a father to orphans,
    and instead of a husband to their mother;
you will then be like a son of the Most High,
    and he will love you more than does your mother.

'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.