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Wisdom of Ben Sira 33:18-20
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 33:18-20
New Catholic Bible
18 And please note that I have not labored for myself alone
but for all who seek instruction.
The Testament of a Teacher of Wisdom[a]
The Heritage of the Teacher
Remain Master in All Things[b]
19 Listen to me, you who hold high positions among the people!
You leaders of the assembly, pay heed to what I have to say!
20 Neither to son or wife, nor to brother or friend,
give power over yourself as long as you live.
And do not give your property to another,
in case you change your mind and want it back.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 33:19 More than simply dispensing instruction, the sage is concerned with teaching his disciples to live by wisdom. Thus, he will present, at the end of his work, the great personages of Israel: they are models of fidelity to the covenant, the great figures of the tradition of the People of God.
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 33:19 These recommendations flow from simple common sense. However, to erect them into a final and absolute rule of human conduct would be to do harm to other pages of the Bible that go further.
