Chapter 33
1 No evil can harm the one who fears the Lord;
through trials, again and again he is rescued.(A)
2 Whoever hates the law is without wisdom,
and is tossed about like a boat in a storm.
3 The prudent trust in the word of the Lord,
and the law is dependable for them as a divine oracle.
4 Prepare your words and then you will be listened to;
draw upon your training, and give your answer.
5 Like the wheel of a cart is the mind of a fool,
and his thoughts like a turning axle.
6 A mocking friend is like a stallion
that neighs, no matter who the rider may be.
7 Why is one day more important than another,
when the same sun lights up every day of the year?
8 By the Lord’s knowledge they are kept distinct;
and he designates the seasons and feasts.(B)
9 Some he exalts and sanctifies,
and others he lists as ordinary days.(C)
10 Likewise, all people are of clay,
and from earth humankind was formed;(D)
11 In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them,
and he designated their different ways.
12 Some he blessed and exalted,
and some he sanctified and drew to himself.
Others he cursed and brought low,
and expelled them from their place.
13 Like clay in the hands of a potter,
to be molded according to his pleasure,
So are people in the hands of their Maker,
to be dealt with as he decides.(E)
14 As evil contrasts with good, and death with life,
so are sinners in contrast with the godly.(F)
15 See now all the works of the Most High:
they come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.
16 Now I am the last to keep vigil,
like a gleaner following the grape-pickers;
17 Since by the Lord’s blessing I have made progress
till like a grape-picker I have filled my wine press,
18 Consider that not for myself only have I labored,
but for all who seek instruction.
Property and Servants
19 Listen to me, leaders of the people;
rulers of the congregation, pay heed!(G)
20a Let neither son nor wife, neither brother nor friend,
have power over you as long as you live.
21 While breath of life is still in you,
let no one take your place.
20b Do not give your wealth to another,
lest you must plead for support yourself.
22 Far better that your children plead with you
than that you should look for a handout from them.
23 Keep control over all your affairs;
bring no stain on your honor.
24 When your few days reach their limit,
at the time of death distribute your inheritance.
25 Fodder and whip and loads for a donkey;
food, correction and work for a slave.
26 Make a slave work, and he will look for rest;
let his hands be idle and he will seek to be free.(H)
27 The yoke and harness will bow the neck;
and for a wicked slave, punishment in the stocks.
28 Force him to work that he be not idle,
29 for idleness teaches much mischief.
30 Put him to work, as is fitting for him;
and if he does not obey, load him with chains.
But never lord it over any human being,
and do nothing unjust.
31 If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself,
for you have acquired him with your life’s blood;
If you have but one slave, deal with him as a brother,
for you need him as you need your life.(I)
32 If you mistreat him and he runs away,
33 in what direction will you look for him?
Footnotes
- 33:3
- 33:7–15
- 33:16–18
- 33:19–33
Cross references
- 33:1 : Ps 91:10–13; Mt 4:6; Lk 4:10–11.
- 33:8 : Gn 1:14.
- 33:9 : Ex 20:11; Dt 5:13–14.
- 33:10 : Gn 2:7.
- 33:13 : Wis 15:7; Jer 18:1–6; Rom 9:20–21.
- 33:14 : Sir 42:25.
- 33:19 : Wis 6:1–2.
- 33:26 : Prv 29:19.
- 33:31 : Sir 7:20–21.
