1 Maccabees 2
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Mattathias and His Sons
2 In those days Mattathi′as the son of John, son of Sim′eon, a priest of the sons of Jo′arib, moved from Jerusalem and settled in Mo′de-in. 2 He had five sons, John surnamed Gaddi, 3 Simon called Thassi, 4 Judas called Maccabe′us, 5 Elea′zar called Av′aran, and Jonathan called Apphus. 6 He saw the blasphemies being committed in Judah and Jerusalem, 7 and said,
“Alas! Why was I born to see this,
the ruin of my people, the ruin of the holy city,
and to dwell there when it was given over to the enemy,
the sanctuary given over to aliens?
8 Her temple has become like a man without honor;[a]
9 her glorious vessels have been carried into captivity.
Her babes have been killed in her streets,
her youths by the sword of the foe.
10 What nation has not inherited her palaces[b]
and has not seized her spoils?
11 All her adornment has been taken away;
no longer free, she has become a slave.
12 And behold, our holy place, our beauty,
and our glory have been laid waste;
the Gentiles have profaned it.
13 Why should we live any longer?”
14 And Mattathi′as and his sons rent their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.
Pagan Worship Refused
15 Then the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Mo′de-in to make them offer sacrifice. 16 Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathi′as and his sons were assembled. 17 Then the king’s officers spoke to Mattathi′as as follows: “You are a leader, honored and great in this city, and supported by sons and brothers. 18 Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.”
19 But Mattathi′as answered and said in a loud voice: “Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers, 20 yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers. 21 Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. 22 We will not obey the king’s words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left.”
23 When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice upon the altar in Mo′de-in, according to the king’s command. 24 When Mattathi′as saw it, be burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar. 25 At the same time he killed the king’s officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. 26 Thus he burned with zeal for the law, as Phin′ehas did against Zimri the son of Salu.
27 Then Mattathi′as cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying: “Let every one who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!” 28 And he and his sons fled to the hills and left all that they had in the city.
29 Then many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to dwell there, 30 they, their sons, their wives, and their cattle, because evils pressed heavily upon them. 31 And it was reported to the king’s officers, and to the troops in Jerusalem the city of David, that men who had rejected the king’s command had gone down to the hiding places in the wilderness. 32 Many pursued them, and overtook them; they encamped opposite them and prepared for battle against them on the sabbath day. 33 And they said to them, “Enough of this! Come out and do what the king commands, and you will live.” 34 But they said, “We will not come out, nor will we do what the king commands and so profane the sabbath day.” 35 Then the enemy[c] hastened to attack them. 36 But they did not answer them or hurl a stone at them or block up their hiding places, 37 for they said, “Let us all die in our innocence; heaven and earth testify for us that you are killing us unjustly.” 38 So they attacked them on the sabbath, and they died, with their wives and children and cattle, to the number of a thousand persons.
39 When Mattathi′as and his friends learned of it, they mourned for them deeply. 40 And each said to his neighbor: “If we all do as our brethren have done and refuse to fight with the Gentiles for our lives and for our ordinances, they will quickly destroy us from the earth.” 41 So they made this decision that day: “Let us fight against every man who comes to attack us on the sabbath day; let us not all die as our brethren died in their hiding places.”
Counter-Attack
42 Then there united with them a company of Haside′ans, mighty warriors of Israel, every one who offered himself willingly for the law. 43 And all who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them and reinforced them. 44 They organized an army, and struck down sinners in their anger and lawless men in their wrath; the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety. 45 And Mattathi′as and his friends went about and tore down the altars; 46 they forcibly circumcised all the uncircumcised boys that they found within the borders of Israel. 47 They hunted down the arrogant men, and the work prospered in their hands. 48 They rescued the law out of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain the upper hand.
The Last Words of Mattathias
49 Now the days drew near for Mattathi′as to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. 50 Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
51 “Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name. 52 Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? 53 Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. 54 Phin′ehas our father, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. 55 Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. 56 Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. 57 David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever. 58 Eli′jah because of great zeal for the law was taken up into heaven. 59 Hanani′ah, Azari′ah, and Mish′a-el believed and were saved from the flame. 60 Daniel because of his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lions.
61 “And so observe, from generation to generation, that none who put their trust in him will lack strength. 62 Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms. 63 Today he will be exalted, but tomorrow he will not be found, because he has returned to the dust, and his plans will perish. 64 My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.
65 “Now behold, I know that Sim′eon your brother is wise in counsel; always listen to him; he shall be your father. 66 Judas Maccabe′us has been a mighty warrior from his youth; he shall command the army for you and fight the battle against the peoples.[d] 67 You shall rally about you all who observe the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. 68 Pay back the Gentiles in full, and heed what the law commands.”
69 Then he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers. 70 He died in the one hundred and forty-sixth year[e] and was buried in the tomb of his fathers at Mo′de-in. And all Israel mourned for him with great lamentation.
Footnotes
- 1 Maccabees 2:8 The text of this verse is uncertain
- 1 Maccabees 2:10 Other authorities read has not had a part in her kingdom
- 1 Maccabees 2:35 Gk they
- 1 Maccabees 2:66 Or of the people
- 1 Maccabees 2:70 166 b.c.
Sirach 4-6
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Duties toward the Poor and the Oppressed
4 My son, deprive not the poor of his living,
and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
2 Do not grieve the one who is hungry,
nor anger a man in want.
3 Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind,
nor delay your gift to a beggar.
4 Do not reject an afflicted suppliant,
nor turn your face away from the poor.
5 Do not avert your eye from the needy,
nor give a man occasion to curse you;
6 for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you,
his Creator will hear his prayer.
7 Make yourself beloved in the congregation;
bow your head low to a great man.
8 Incline your ear to the poor,
and answer him peaceably and gently.
9 Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer;
and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
10 Be like a father to orphans,
and instead of a husband to their mother;
you will then be like a son of the Most High,
and he will love you more than does your mother.
The Rewards of Wisdom
11 Wisdom exalts her sons
and gives help to those who seek her.
12 Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.
13 Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory,
and the Lord will bless the place she[a] enters.
14 Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One;[b]
the Lord loves those who love her.
15 He who obeys her will judge the nations,
and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure.
16 If he has faith in her he will obtain her;
and his descendants will remain in possession of her.
17 For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths,
she will bring fear and cowardice upon him,
and will torment him by her discipline
until she trusts him,
and she will test him with her ordinances.
18 Then she will come straight back to him and gladden him,
and will reveal her secrets to him.
19 If he goes astray she will forsake him,
and hand him over to his ruin.
20 Observe the right time, and beware of evil;[c]
and do not bring shame on yourself.
21 For there is a shame which brings sin,
and there is a shame which is glory and favor.
22 Do not show partiality, to your own harm,
or deference, to your downfall.
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time,[d]
and do not hide your wisdom.[e]
24 For wisdom is known through speech,
and education through the words of the tongue.
25 Never speak against the truth,
but be mindful of your ignorance.
26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27 Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow,
nor show partiality to a ruler.
28 Strive even to death for the truth
and the Lord God will fight for you.
29 Do not be reckless in your speech,
or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.
30 Do not be like a lion in your home,
nor be a faultfinder with your servants.
31 Let not your hand be extended to receive,
but withdrawn when it is time to repay.
Precepts for Everyday Living
5 Do not set your heart on your wealth,
nor say, “I have enough.”
2 Do not follow your inclination and strength,
walking according to the desires of your heart.
3 Do not say, “Who will have power over me?”
for the Lord will surely punish you.
4 Do not say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?”
for the Lord is slow to anger.
5 Do not be so confident of atonement
that you add sin to sin.
6 Do not say, “His mercy is great,
he will forgive[f] the multitude of my sins,”
for both mercy and wrath are with him,
and his anger rests on sinners.
7 Do not delay to turn to the Lord,
nor postpone it from day to day;
for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth,
and at the time of punishment you will perish.
8 Do not depend on dishonest wealth,
for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.
9 Do not winnow with every wind,
nor follow every path:
the double-tongued sinner does that.
10 Be steadfast in your understanding,
and let your speech be consistent.
11 Be quick to hear,
and be deliberate in answering.
12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor;
but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
13 Glory and dishonor come from speaking,
and a man’s tongue is his downfall.
14 Do not be called a slanderer,
and do not lie in ambush with your tongue;
for shame comes to the thief,
and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.
15 In great and small matters do not act amiss,
and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;
6 for a bad name incurs shame and reproach:
so fares the double-tongued sinner.
2 Do not exalt yourself through your soul’s counsel,
lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull.[g]
3 You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit,
and will be left like a withered tree.
4 An evil soul will destroy him who has it,
and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
Friendship, False and True
5 A pleasant voice multiplies friends,
and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6 Let those that are at peace with you be many,
but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
7 When you gain a friend, gain him through testing,
and do not trust him hastily.
8 For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience,
but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9 And there is a friend who changes into an enemy,
and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.
10 And there is a friend who is a table companion,
but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
11 In your prosperity he will make himself your equal,
and be bold with your servants;
12 but if you are brought low he will turn against you,
and will hide himself from your presence.
13 Keep yourself far from your enemies,
and be on guard toward your friends.
14 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter:
he that has found one has found a treasure.
15 There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,
and no scales can measure his excellence.
16 A faithful friend is an elixir of life;
and those who fear the Lord will find him.
17 Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright,
for as he is, so is his neighbor also.
Blessings of Wisdom
18 My son, from your youth up choose instruction,
and until you are old you will keep finding wisdom.
19 Come to her like one who plows and sows,
and wait for her good harvest.
For in her service you will toil a little while,
and soon you will eat of her produce.
20 She seems very harsh to the uninstructed;
a weakling will not remain with her.
21 She will weigh him down like a heavy testing stone,
and he will not be slow to cast her off.
22 For wisdom is like her name,
and is not manifest to many.
23 Listen, my son, and accept my judgment;
do not reject my counsel.
24 Put your feet into her fetters,
and your neck into her collar.
25 Put your shoulder under her and carry her,
and do not fret under her bonds.
26 Come to her with all your soul,
and keep her ways with all your might.
27 Search out and seek, and she will become known to you;
and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
28 For at last you will find the rest she gives,
and she will be changed into joy for you.
29 Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection,
and her collar a glorious robe.
30 Her yoke[h] is a golden ornament,
and her bonds are a cord of blue.
31 You will wear her like a glorious robe,
and put her on like a crown of gladness.
32 If you are willing, my son, you will be taught,
and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
33 If you love to listen you will gain knowledge,
and if you incline your ear you will become wise.
34 Stand in the assembly of the elders.
Who is wise? Cleave to him.
35 Be ready to listen to every[i] narrative,
and do not let wise proverbs escape you.
36 If you see an intelligent man, visit him early;
let your foot wear out his doorstep.
37 Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,
and meditate at all times on his commandments.
It is he who will give insight to[j] your mind,
and your desire for wisdom will be granted.
Footnotes
- Sirach 4:13 Or he
- Sirach 4:14 Or at the holy place
- Sirach 4:20 Or an evil man
- Sirach 4:23 Cn: Gk at a time of salvation
- Sirach 4:23 So some Gk Mss and Heb Syr Vg: other Gk Mss omit and do not hide your wisdom
- Sirach 5:6 Heb: Gk he (or it) will atone for
- Sirach 6:2 The meaning of the Greek of this verse is obscure
- Sirach 6:30 Heb: Gk Upon her
- Sirach 6:35 Heb: Gk adds divine
- Sirach 6:37 Heb: Gk will confirm
Proverbs 22:1-4
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;
but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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