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13 Man’s compassion is for his neighbor,
    but the compassion of the Lord extends to everyone.
He rebukes, trains, and teaches them,
    and he brings them back into the fold as a shepherd does his flock.
14 He has compassion on those who accept his teaching
    and are diligent in obeying his precepts.

Excesses of the Tongue and Greed Are the Enemies of Wisdom[a]

The Manner of Giving Is Worth More than the Gift[b]

15 My child, do not temper your good deeds with reproach,
    or spoil your gifts with harsh words.

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Footnotes

  1. Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 After a lengthy debate about the human condition entrusted to God’s mercy, the author sets forth anew a succession of practical counsels whose main themes we highlight.
  2. Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 The author stresses that in doing a charitable act the giver must be careful not to humiliate the receiver (v. 16).