Ben Sira 11:1-6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 11
1 The wisdom of the poor lifts their head high
and sets them among princes.
2 Do not praise anyone for good looks;
or despise anyone because of appearance.
3 The bee is least among winged creatures,
but it reaps the choicest of harvests.
4 Do not mock the one who wears only a loin-cloth,
or scoff at a person’s bitter day.
For strange are the deeds of the Lord,
hidden from mortals his work.[a]
5 Many are the oppressed who rise to the throne;
some that none would consider wear a crown.[b]
6 Many are the exalted who fall into utter disgrace,
many the honored who are given into the power of the few.
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