1 If you do good, know to whom you are doing it and you will receive thanks for your kindness.
2 Do good to the godly man and you will receive a reward, if not from the man himself, at least from the Most High.
3 Blessings are not for those who persist in evildoing, nor for those who refuse to show compassion.
4 Give to the godly man, do not help the sinner;
5 do good to the humble, do not give to the ungodly; deny him bread, do not give it to him lest he eventually dominate you. He will repay you with a double evil for all the good that you have done for him.
6 For the Most High himself detests sinners and carries out his vengeance on the ungodly.
7 Give to the good man but do not help the sinner.
8 A friend does not become an enemy in the time of prosperity, nor does an enemy remain hidden in the time of adversity.
9 When a man is doing well, his enemies are sad; when he is suffering misfortune, even his friends hasten to abandon him.
10 Never trust an enemy, for his malice is like bronze covered in rust.
11 Even if he should act as a humble man and walk with head bowed down, watch yourself and be on your guard against him. Behave towards him as a man who polishes a bronze mirror. Know that the rust will not remain until the end.
12 Do not place him near you lest he overthrow you and take your place. Do not make him sit on your right hand lest he covet your seat. Let it not be that in the end you understand my words and regret not having listened to my advice.
13 Who will have pity on the snake-charmer bitten by a snake or on those who go near wild beasts?
14 It is the same for the man who joins company with a sinner and finds himself involved in his wrongdoing.
15 The sinner will remain quietly with you for an hour but when you are distracted he will throw away his mask.
16 The enemy is all sweetness in his speech, but in his heart he is planning to throw you in the ditch. The enemy has tears in his eyes but, if he finds an opportunity, he cannot have enough of your blood.
17 If misfortune comes to you, you will find him there before you; pretending to help you, he will be scheming to get rid of you.
18 He will wag his head in mockery and clap his hands, he will whisper unceasingly and will show his true face.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiasticus, 12:
Ecclesiastical 12 talks about the importance of true friendship, honesty and justice, and warns against wickedness, falsehood and greed. The following verses address these themes:
Proverbs 17:17: "At all times the friend loves and for the time of anguish the brother is born." This verse speaks of the importance of true and unconditional friendship, which is present in both good and bad times.
Proverbs 28:6: "It is better the poor one who walks in his integrity than ways even though he is rich." Here is emphasized the importance of honesty, which is more valuable than the wealth obtained by illicit means.
Proverbs 11:1: "The weight of the misleading balance is abomination for the Lord, but the righteous weight is his pleasure." This verse highlights the importance of justice and honesty in our interactions with others.
James 4:16: "But now you global in your presumptions; all glory as it is evil." Here, the danger of arrogance and self-importance is highlighted, which can lead to dishonest and unfair behaviors.
Proverbs 28:25: "The greedy man arouses strife, but what he trusts in the Lord will prosper." This verse warns against greed and the unbridled search for profit, which can lead to conflicts and tensions among people. Instead, it is recommended to trust God and his provision.
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