Ben Sira 29:21-28
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Frugality and Its Rewards[a]
21 Life’s prime needs are water, bread, and clothing,
and also a house for decent privacy.(A)
22 Better is the life of the poor under the shadow of their own roof
than sumptuous banquets among strangers.(B)
23 Whether little or much, be content with what you have:
then you will hear no reproach as a parasite.
24 It is a miserable life to go from house to house,
for where you are a guest you dare not open your mouth.
25 You will entertain and provide drink without being thanked;
besides, you will hear these bitter words:
26 “Come here, you parasite, set the table,
let me eat the food you have there!
27 Go away, you parasite, for one more worthy;
for my relative’s visit I need the room!”
28 Painful things to a sensitive person
are rebuke as a parasite and insults from creditors.
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