Sirach 42

1 Better is death than a bitter life, and everlasting rest, than continual sickness. 2 Good things that are hidden in a mouth that is shut, are as messes of meat set about a grave. 3 What good shall an offering do to an idol? for it can neither eat, nor smell: 4 So is he that is persecuted by the Lord, bearing the reward of his iniquity: 5 He seeth with his eyes, and groaneth, as an eunuch embracing a virgin, and sighing. 6 Give not up thy soul to sadness, and afflict not thyself in thy own counsel. 7 The joyfulness of the heart, is the life of a man, and a never failing treasure of holiness: and the joy of a man is length of life. 8 Have pity on thy own soul, pleasing God, and contain thyself: gather up thy heart in his holiness: and drive away sadness far from thee. 9 For sadness hath killed many, and there is no profit in it. 10 Envy and anger shorten a man’s days, and pensiveness will bring old age before the time. 11 A cheerful and good heart is always feasting: for his banquets are prepared with diligence. 13 Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the thought thereof driveth away sleep. 14 The thinking beforehand turneth away the understanding, and a grievous sickness maketh the soul sober. 15 The rich man hath laboured in gathering riches together, and when he resteth he shall be filled with his goods. 16 The poor man hath laboured in his low way of life, and in the end he is still poor. 17 He that loveth gold, shall not be justified: and he that followeth after corruption, shall be filled with it. 18 Many have been brought to fall for gold, and the beauty thereof hath been their ruin. 19 Gold is a stumblingblock to them that sacrifice to it: woe to them that eagerly follow after it, and every fool shall perish by it. 20 Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. 21 Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life. 22 Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them: 23 Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms. 24 Art thou set at a great table? be not the first to open thy mouth upon it. 25 Say not: There are many things which are upon it.