Sir 4:1-10

1My child, do not mock the life of the poor;

do not keep needy eyes^* waiting.^a

2Do not grieve the hungry,

nor anger the needy.

3Do not aggravate a heart already angry,

nor delay giving to the needy.

4A beggar’s request do not reject;

do not turn your face away from the poor.

5From the needy do not turn your eyes;

do not give them reason to curse you.

6If in their pain they cry out bitterly,

their Rock will hear the sound of their cry.

7Endear yourself to the assembly;

before the city’s ruler bow your head.

8Give a hearing to the poor,

and return their greeting with deference;

9Deliver the oppressed from their oppressors;^b

right judgment should not be repugnant to you.

10Be like a father to orphans,

and take the place of a husband to widows.

Then God will call you his child,

and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.