Sirach – Prologue
P:6 For in the time of king Ptolemy Euergetes, in the thirty-eighth year after I had arrived in Egypt, after I had been there for a long time, I found, left behind there, books with a doctrine neither small nor contemptible.
P:7 And so I considered it to be both good and necessary for me to apply some significant diligence and labor in order to translate this book.
P:8 Then, after much attentiveness to doctrine over a length of time, I brought to a close the things being considered, so as to offer this book for those who are willing to apply their mind and to learn how they ought to conduct their way of life,
P:9 for those who have decided to form their life in accord with the law of the Lord.
Sirach 12:1-7
{12:1} If you do good, know to whom you do it, and there will be many thanks for your good deeds.
{12:2} Do good to the just, and you will find great recompense, and if not from him, certainly from the Lord.
{12:3} For there is no good for someone who is always occupied in evil, or who does not give alms. For the Most High holds hatred for sinners, but he takes pity on the repentant.
{12:4} Give to the merciful, and you should not assist the sinner. For the impious and the sinner will be repaid with the vengeance being held for them on the day of retribution.
{12:5} Give to the good, but you should not receive from a sinner.
{12:6} Do good to the humble, but you should not give to the impious; withhold your bread, do not give it to him, otherwise he may overpower you with it.
{12:7} For you will find twice the evil for all the good you will have done to him. For the Most High also holds hatred for sinners, and he will repay vengeance to the impious.