Глава 40

The thought of death evokes sorrowful thoughts, especially for a wicked person. Impiety does not go unpunished at all. True prosperity is enjoyed by a kind and honest worker who does not shy away from the advice of wisdom. Sir.40:1 Much work is assigned to every person, and the yoke is heavy on the sons of Adam from the day they leave their mother’s womb until the day they return to the mother of all. 1. Until the day of returning to the mother of all earthly creatures - the earth. Verse 9ff. to 16 Wed. pp. 33–38, XXXIX. Sir.40:2 The thought of things to come and the day of death produce in them meditations and fear of the heart. Sir.40:3 From him who sits on the glorious throne to him who is cast down on the earth and in the dust, Sir.40:4 from the one wearing purple and a crown to the one dressed in rags, - Sir.40:5 Every one has vexation and jealousy, and confusion, and anxiety, and fear of death, and indignation, and strife, and while he is resting on his bed, sleep at night upsets his mind. Sir.40:6 He has little, almost no peace at all, and therefore in his sleep he is on guard, as during the day: Sir.40:7 being confused by the dreams of his heart, like one who has fled from the battlefield, during his safety he awakens and cannot be surprised that nothing terrible happened. Sir.40:8 Although this happens to all flesh, from man to beast, yet among sinners it is seven times more so. Sir.40:9 Death, murder, quarrel, sword, calamity, famine, crushing and blows, - Sir.40:10 All this is for the wicked; and the flood was for them. Sir.40:11 Whatever is from the earth turns to earth, and whatever is from the water returns to the sea. 11. The bodies of animals and humans, upon death, decompose, breaking down into their constituent elements. Sir.40:12 Every gift and injustice will be destroyed, but faithfulness will stand forever. 12. Every gift given in defiance of the truth. Sir.40:13 The wealth of the unrighteous will dry up like a stream, and will roar like strong thunder during pouring rain. 13. They will thunder and disappear. Sir.40:14 He who opens his hand is cheerful; and the criminals will finally perish. 14. He who opens a helping hand to those in need is cheerful and prosperous with the blessing of God and the blessings of his neighbors. Sir.40:15 The descendants of the wicked will not multiply branches, and unclean roots will not be on the rocky rock: 15. The offspring of the wicked are short-lived, just as unclean roots are short-lived in rocky soil. Sir.40:16 In all waters and on the banks of the river, sedge is cut down before any other grass. 16. Is a figurative confirmation of verse 15. Sir.40:17 Charity is like paradise, full of blessings, and almsgiving endures forever. Sir.40:18 The life of one who is content with his lot and a worker is sweet; but he who finds the treasure surpasses both. 18. Art. 19–28 explained. Sir.40:19 Children and the building of a city perpetuate a name, but a blameless wife is considered superior to both. Sir.40:20 Wine and music gladden the heart, but better than both is the love of wisdom. Sir.40:21 The pipe and harp make pleasant singing, but better than these is a pleasant tongue. Sir.40:22 Pleasantness and beauty are desirable to your eyes, but more than both is the greenness of the crop. Sir.40:23 A friend and a friend come together from time to time, but a wife and her husband always do. Sir.40:24 Brothers and patrons - in times of sorrow, but rather than both of them, alms saves. Sir.40:25 Gold and silver establish feet, but good advice is considered more reliable than both. Sir.40:26 Wealth and power elevate the heart, but above that is the fear of the Lord: Sir.40:27 There is no lack of fear of the Lord, and there is no need to seek help with it; Sir.40:28 The fear of the Lord is like a blessed paradise, and clothes it with all glory. Sir.40:29 My son! Do not live a beggarly life: it is better to die than to beg. Sir.40:30 Whoever gazes at someone else's table, his life is not life: he humiliates his soul with other people's dishes; Sir.40:31 But a wise and well-bred man will warn himself against this. Sir.40:32 In the mouth of a shameless person asking for alms will seem sweet, but in his womb a fire will kindle. 32. But a fire will kindle in his womb - the fire of offended pride and other consequences of frivolous parasitism.