Глава 22

Lazy is disgusting to everyone; ill-mannered children are sadness for parents. Speech at the wrong time is the same as music at the wrong time. Weep for the dead for seven days, and for the foolish and wicked all the days of his life. The evil life of a fool is worse than death. Be faithful in friendship. Avoid quarrels. Guard your lips. Sir.22:1 The lazy man is like a dirty stone: everyone will deride his dishonor. Sir.22:2 A lazy man is like ox dung: whoever picks him up shakes off his hand. Sir.22:3 The birth of an ill-mannered son is a shame for a father, but an ill-mannered daughter is born to humiliation. Sir.22:4 A wise daughter will gain herself a husband, but a shameless daughter will bring sorrow to the one who gave birth. Sir.22:5 An insolent woman disgraces father and husband, and will be held in contempt by both. Sir.22:6 A story at the wrong time is like music in a time of sorrow; punishment and the teaching of wisdom are appropriate for any time. Sir.22:7 He who teaches a fool is the same as one who glues shards together or awakens a sleeper from a deep sleep. Sir.22:8 He who tells something to a fool is the same as he who tells it to someone who is dozing, who at the end asks: “What?” Sir.22:9 Weep over the dead, for the light has disappeared for him; Weep even over the foolish, for reason has disappeared for him. Sir.22:10 Weep less over the dead, because he has calmed down, and the evil life of a fool is worse than death. Sir.22:11 Weep for the dead for seven days, and for the foolish and wicked all the days of his life. Sir.22:12 Do not talk much to a foolish person, and do not go to a foolish person; Sir.22:13 Beware of him, so as not to get into trouble and not to stain yourself by colliding with him; Sir.22:14 turn away from him and you will find peace and will not be upset by his madness. Sir.22:15 What is heavier than lead? and what is his name if not stupid? 15. And what is his name, i.e.: and with whom can he be compared, if not with a fool? The explanation for this comparison is made in v. 16. Sir.22:16 It is easier to carry sand and salt and a block of iron than a senseless man. Sir.22:17 Just as a wooden tie in a house, firmly built, does not allow it to fall apart during a shock, so a heart established on thoughtful advice will not be shaken during times of fear. Sir.22:18 A heart established on rational reflection is like stucco decoration on a hewn wall. Sir.22:19 A support placed on high cannot stand against the wind: Sir.22:20 So a fearful heart, with foolish thinking, cannot resist fear. Sir.22:21 He who strikes the eye causes tears, but he who strikes the heart arouses a painful feeling. Sir.22:22 He who throws a stone at birds will drive them away; but he who reviles a friend will dissolve the friendship. Sir.22:23 If you draw a sword against a friend, do not despair, for the return of friendship is possible. Sir.22:24 If you have opened your mouth against a friend, do not be afraid, for reconciliation is possible. Sir.22:25 Only reproach, pride, the discovery of secrets and insidious villainy can drive away every friend. Sir.22:26 Gain trust from your neighbor in his poverty, so that you can rejoice with him in his wealth; Sir.22:27 Stay with him during the tribulation so that you may have a share in his inheritance. Sir.22:28 Before the flame there is steam and smoke in the furnace: so before bloodshed there is quarrel. Sir.22:29 I will not be ashamed to defend a friend, nor will I hide from his face; Sir.22:30 And if evil befalls me through him, then everyone who hears will beware of it. Sir.22:31 Who will give me a guard over my mouth and a seal of prudence on my lips, lest I fall through them, and lest my tongue destroy me?