Sir 11:7-19

7Before investigating, do not find fault;

examine first, then criticize.

8Before listening, do not say a word,

interrupt no one in the midst of speaking.^a

9Do not dispute about what is not your concern;

in the quarrels of the arrogant do not take part.

10My son, why increase your anxiety,

since whoever is greedy for wealth will not be blameless?

Even if you chase after it, you will never overtake it;

and by fleeing you will not escape.

11One may work and struggle and drive,

and fall short all the same.^b

12Others go their way broken-down drifters,

with little strength and great misery—

Yet the eye of the LORD looks favorably upon them,

shaking them free of the stinking mire.

13He lifts up their heads and exalts them

to the amazement of the many.

14^* Good and evil, life and death,^c

poverty and riches—all are from the LORD.^†

17The Lord’s gift remains with the devout;

his favor brings lasting success.

18Some become rich through a miser’s life,

and this is their allotted reward:

19When they say: “I have found rest,^d

now I will feast on my goods,”

They do not know how long it will be

till they die and leave them to others.^*