Open English Translation SIR Chapter 33

7 Why does one day excel another,

when all the light of every day in the year is from the sun?

8 They were distinguished by the master’s knowledge,

and he varied seasons and feasts.

9 Some of them he exalted and hallowed,

and some of them he’s made ordinary days.

10 And all men are from the ground.

Adam was created from dust.

11 In the abundance of his knowledge the master distinguished them,

and made their ways different.

12 Some of them he blessed and exalted,

and some of them he made holy and brought near to himself.

Some of them he cursed and brought low,

and overthrew them from their place.

13 As the clay of the potter in his hand,

all his ways are according to his good pleasure,

so men are in the hand of him who made them,

to render to them according to his judgement.

14 Good is the opposite of evil,

and life is the opposite of death;

so[fn] the sinner is the opposite of the godly.

15 Look on all the Most High’s works like this,

they come in pairs, one against another.

16 I was the last on watch,

like one who gleans after the grape gatherers.

17 By the master’s blessing I arrived before them,

and filled my wine-pressing pit like one who gathers grapes.

18 Consider that I laboured not for myself alone,

but for all those who seek instruction.

19 Hear me, you great men of the people,

and listen with your ears, you rulers of the congregation.

20 To son and wife, to brother and friend,

don’t give power over yourself while you live,

and don’t give your goods to another,

or you might regret it and have to ask for them back.

21 While you still live and breath is in you,

don’t give yourself over to anybody.

22 Because it’s better that your children should ask from you

than that you should look to your children’s hand.

23 Excel in all your works.

Don’t bring a stain on your honour.

24 In the day that you end the days of your life,

in the time of death, distribute your inheritance.

25 Fodder, a stick, and burdens are for a donkey.

Bread, discipline, and work are for a servant.

26 Set your slave to work, and you’ll find rest.

Leave his hands idle, and he’ll seek liberty.

27 Yoke and whip will bow the neck.

Because an evil slave there are racks and tortures.

28 Send him to labour, that he not be idle,

for idleness teaches much mischief.

29 Set him to work, as is fit for him.

If he doesn’t obey, make his fetters heavy.

30 Don’t be excessive towards any.

Do nothing unjust.

31 If you have a slave, treat him like yourself,

because you’ve bought him with blood.

32 If you have a slave, treat him like yourself.

Because like your own soul, you’ll need him.

If you treat him ill, and he departs and runs away,

33 which way will you go to seek him?