Wisdom of Jesus 29:1-28 of 51 (KJV)

Pray for God’s Wisdom and Understanding,
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus).

{29:1} He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.

{29:2} Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.

{29:3} Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.

{29:4} Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.

{29:5} Till he hath received, he will kiss a man’s hand; and for his neighbour’s money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.

{29:6} If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.

{29:7} Many therefore have refused to lend for other men’s ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.

{29:8} Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.

{29:9} Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.

{29:10} Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.

{29:11} Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.

{29:12} Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.

{29:13} It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.

{29:14} An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.

{29:15} Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.

{29:16} A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:

{29:17} And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] that delivered him.

{29:18} Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.

{29:19} A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men’s business for gain shall fall into suits.

{29:20} Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.

{29:21} The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.

{29:22} Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man’s house.

{29:23} Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.

{29:24} For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.

{29:25} Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words:

{29:26} Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.

{29:27} Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.

{29:28} These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.

Thanking God for teaching us his Word, Amen.
End of Wisdom of Jesus Chapter 29/51.