Chapter 4
1 My child, do not mock the life of the poor;
do not keep needy eyes waiting.(A)
2 Do not grieve the hungry,
nor anger the needy.
3 Do not aggravate a heart already angry,
nor delay giving to the needy.
4 A beggar’s request do not reject;
do not turn your face away from the poor.
5 From the needy do not turn your eyes;
do not give them reason to curse you.
6 If in their pain they cry out bitterly,
their Rock will hear the sound of their cry.
Social Conduct
7 Endear yourself to the assembly;
before the city’s ruler bow your head.
8 Give a hearing to the poor,
and return their greeting with deference;
9 Deliver the oppressed from their oppressors;(B)
right judgment should not be repugnant to you.
10 Be like a father to orphans,
and take the place of a husband to widows.
Then God will call you his child,
and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.
The Rewards of Wisdom
11 Wisdom teaches her children
and admonishes all who can understand her.
12 Those who love her love life;
those who seek her out win the Lord’s favor.
13 Those who hold her fast will attain glory,
and they shall abide in the blessing of the Lord.
14 Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the Lord loves.(C)
15 “Whoever obeys me will judge nations;
whoever listens to me will dwell in my inmost chambers.
16 If they remain faithful, they will possess me;
their descendants too will inherit me.
17 “I will walk with them in disguise,
and at first I will test them with trials.
Fear and dread I will bring upon them
and I will discipline them with my constraints.
When their hearts are fully with me,
18 then I will set them again on the straight path
and reveal my secrets to them.
19 But if they turn away from me, I will abandon them
and deliver them over to robbers.”
Sincerity and Justice
20 My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil;
do not bring shame upon yourself.
21 There is a shame heavy with guilt,
and a shame that brings glory and respect.
22 Show no favoritism to your own discredit;
let no one intimidate you to your own downfall.
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper time,
and do not hide your wisdom;
24 For wisdom becomes known through speech,
and knowledge through the tongue’s response.
25 Never speak against the truth,
but of your own ignorance be ashamed.
26 Do not be ashamed to acknowledge your sins,
and do not struggle against a rushing stream.
27 Do not abase yourself before a fool;
do not refuse to do so before rulers.
28 Even to the death, fight for what is right,
and the Lord will do battle for you.
29 Do not be haughty in your speech,
or lazy and slack in your deeds.
30 Do not be like a lion at home,
or sly and suspicious with your servants.
31 Do not let your hand be open to receive,
but clenched when it is time to give.
Footnotes
- 4:1
- 4:11–19
- 4:20–31
Cross references
- 4:1 : Tb 4:7–11.
- 4:9 : Jb 29:12, 17.
- 4:14 : Wis 7:28.
