Sirach 11:29-34
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Care in Choosing Friends
29 Do not invite everyone into your home,
for many are the tricks of the crafty.
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the mind of the proud,
and like spies they observe your weakness,[a](A)
31 for they lie in wait, turning good into evil,
and to worthy actions they attach blame.(B)
32 From a spark many coals are kindled,
and a sinner lies in wait to shed blood.(C)
33 Beware of scoundrels, for they devise evil,
and they may ruin your reputation forever.(D)
34 Receive strangers into your home, and they will stir up trouble for you
and will make you a stranger to your own family.
Footnotes
- 11.30 Heb: Gk downfall
Ben Sira 11:29-34
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Care in Choosing Friends
29 Not everyone should be brought into your house,
for many are the snares of the crafty.
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of the proud,
and like a spy they will pick out the weak spots.
31 For they lie in wait to turn good into evil,
and to praiseworthy deeds they attach blame.
32 One spark kindles many coals;
a sinner lies in wait for blood.
33 Beware of scoundrels, for they breed only evil,
and they may give you a lasting stain.
34 Admit strangers into your home, and they will stir up trouble
and make you a stranger to your own family.
Sirach 11:29-34
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
Care in Choosing Friends
29 Do not invite everyone into your home,
for many are the tricks of the crafty.
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the mind of the proud,
and like spies they observe your weakness;[a]
31 for they lie in wait, turning good into evil,
and to worthy actions they attach blame.
32 From a spark many coals are kindled,
and a sinner lies in wait to shed blood.
33 Beware of scoundrels, for they devise evil,
and they may ruin your reputation for ever.
34 Receive strangers into your home and they will stir up trouble for you,
and will make you a stranger to your own family.
Footnotes
- Sirach 11:30 Heb: Gk downfall
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