1 If you do good, know for whom you are doing it, and your kindness will have its effect.
2 Do good to the just man and reward will be yours, if not from him, from the LORD.
3 No good comes to him who gives comfort to the wicked, nor is it an act of mercy that he does.
4 Give to the good man, refuse the sinner; refresh the downtrodden, give nothing to the proud man.
5 No arms for combat should you give him, lest he use them against yourself;
6 With twofold evil you will meet for every good deed you do for him.
7 The Most High himself hates sinners, and upon the wicked he takes vengeance.
8 In our prosperity we cannot know our friends; in adversity an enemy will not remain concealed.
9 When a man is successful even his enemy is friendly; in adversity even his friend disappears.
10 Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in bronze.
11 Even though he acts humbly and peaceably toward you, take care to be on your guard against him. Rub him as one polishes a brazen mirror, and you will find that there is still corrosion.
12 Let him not stand near you, lest he oust you and take your place. Let him not sit at your right hand, lest he then demand your seat, And in the end you appreciate my advice, when you groan with regret, as I warned you.
13 Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten, or anyone who goes near a wild beast?
14 So is it with the companion of the proud man, who is involved in his sins:
15 While you stand firm, he makes no bold move; but if you slip, he cannot hold back.
16 With his lips an enemy speaks sweetly, but in his heart he schemes to plunge you into the abyss. Though your enemy has tears in his eyes, if given the chance, he will never have enough of your blood.
17 If evil comes upon you, you will find him at hand; feigning to help, he will trip you up,
18 Then he will nod his head and clap his hands and hiss repeatedly, and 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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