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Forgive your neighbor the wrong done to you;
    then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.(A)
Does anyone nourish anger against another
    and expect healing from the Lord?(B)
Can one refuse mercy to a sinner like oneself,
    yet seek pardon for one’s own sins?
If a mere mortal cherishes wrath,
    who will forgive his sins?
Remember your last days and set enmity aside;
    remember death and decay, and cease from sin!(C)
Remember the commandments and do not be angry with your neighbor;
    remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.

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Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done,
    and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.
Does a man harbor anger against another,
    and yet seek for healing from the Lord?
Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself,
    and yet pray for his own sins?
If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath,
    who will make expiation for his sins?
Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity,
    remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments.
Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor;
    remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance.

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(A)But if you forgive someone who has wronged you, your sins will be forgiven when you pray. You cannot expect the Lord to pardon you while you are holding a grudge against someone else. You yourself are a sinner, and if you won't forgive another person, you have no right to pray that the Lord will forgive your sins. If you cannot get rid of your anger, you have no hope of forgiveness—you are only a human being. Think about it! Some day you will die, and your body will decay. So give up hate and live by the Lord's commands, the commands in the covenant of the Most High. Instead of getting upset over your neighbor's faults, overlook them.

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'Sirach 28:2-7' not found for the version: New American Standard Bible.
'Sirach 28:2-7' not found for the version: New International Version.