Sirach 51

1 A wise man instructeth his own people, and the fruits of his understanding are faithful. 2 A wise man shall be filled with blessings, and they that see shall praise him. 3 The life of a man is in the number of his days: but the days of Israel are innumerable. 4 A wise man shall inherit honour among his people, and his name shall live for ever. 5 My son, prove thy soul in thy life: and if it be wicked, give it no power: 6 For all things are not expedient for all, and every kind pleaseth not every soul. 7 Be not greedy in any feasting, and pour not out thyself upon any meat: 8 For in many meats there will be sickness, and greediness will turn to choler. 9 By surfeiting many have perished, but he that is temperate, shall prolong life. 11 Honour the physician for the need thou hast of him: for the most High hath created him. 12 For all healing is from God, and he shall receive gifts of the king. 13 The skill of the physician shall lift up his head, and in the sight of great men he shall be praised. 14 The most High hath created medicines out of the earth, and a wise man will not abhor them. 15 Was not bitter water made sweet with wood? 16 The virtue of these things is come to the knowledge of men, and the most High hath given knowledge to men, that he may be honoured in his wonders. 17 By these he shall cure and shall allay their pains, and of these the apothecary shall make sweet confections, and shall make up ointments of health, and of his works there shall be no end. 18 For the peace of God is over all the face of the earth. 19 My son, in thy sickness neglect not thyself, but pray to the Lord, and he shall heal thee. 20 Turn away from sin and order thy hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all offence. 21 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour, and make a fat offering, and then give place to the physician. 22 For the Lord created him: and let him not depart from thee, for his works are necessary. 23 For there is a time when thou must fall into their hands: 24 And they shall beseech the Lord, that he would prosper what they give for ease and remedy, for their conversation. 25 He that sinneth in the sight of his Maker, shall fall into the hands of the physician. 26 My son, shed tears over the dead, and begin to lament as if thou hadst suffered some great harm, and according to judgment cover his body, and neglect not his burial. 27 And for fear of being ill spoken of weep bitterly for a day, and then comfort thyself in thy sadness. 28 And make mourning for him according to his merit for a day, or two, for fear of detraction. 29 For of sadness cometh death, and it overwhelmeth the strength, and the sorrow of the heart boweth down the neck. 30 In withdrawing aside sorrow remaineth: and the substance of the poor is according to his heart.