Open English Translation SIR Chapter 34

34 Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding.

Dreams give wings to fools.

2 As one who grasps at a shadow and follows after the wind,

so is he who sets his mind on dreams.

3 The vision of dreams is a reflection,

the likeness of a face near a face.

4 From an unclean thing what can be cleansed?

From that which is false what can be true?

5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain.

The heart has fantasies like a woman in labour.

6 If they aren’t sent in a visitation from the Most High,

don’t give your heart to them.

7 Because dreams have led many astray.

They’ve failed by putting their hope in them.

8 Without lying the law will be fulfilled.

Wisdom is complete in a faithful mouth.

9 A well-instructed man knows many things.

He who has much experience will declare understanding.

10 He who has no experience knows few things.

But he who’s travelled increases cleverness.

11 I’ve seen many things in my travels.

My understanding is more than my words.

12 I was often in danger even to death.

I was preserved because of these experiences.

13 The spirit of those who fear the master will live,

for their hope is in him who saves them.

14 Anyone who fears the master won’t be afraid, and won’t be a coward,

because he’s his hope.

15 Blessed is the soul of him who fears the master.

To whom does he give heed? Who’s his support?

16 The master’s eyes are on those who love him,

a mighty protection and strong support,

a cover from the hot blast, a shade from the noonday sun,

a guard from stumbling, and a help from falling.

17 He raises up the soul, and enlightens the eyes.

He gives health, life, and blessing.

18 He who sacrifices a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery.

The mockeries of wicked men aren’t acceptable.

19 The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly,

Neither is he pacified for sins by the multitude of sacrifices.

20 Like one who kills a son before his father’s eyes

is he who brings a sacrifice from the goods of the poor.

21 The bread of the needy is the life of the poor.

He who deprives him of it’s a man of blood.

22 Like one who murders his neighbour is he who takes away his living.

Like a shedder of blood is he who deprives a hireling of his hire.

23 When one builds, and another pulls down,

what profit do they have but toil?

24 When one prays, and another curses,

whose voice will the master listen to?

25 He who washes himself after touching a dead body, and touches it again,

what does he gain by his washing?

26 Even so a man fasting for his sins,

and going again, and doing the same,

who’ll listen to his prayer?

What profit does he have in his humiliation?