Sirach 3:30-4:10

Good News Translation

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. 4 ¹ My child, don't prevent the poor from making a living, or keep them waiting in their need. ² Never give a hungry person any cause for resentment or anger. ³ 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. ⁶ If he becomes so bitter that he does curse you, his Creator will hear his prayer.

⁷ Make yourself popular in the synagogue. Bow your head to men of authority. ⁸ Listen to what the poor have to say, and answer them politely. ⁹ 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.