(a) He who honours his father shall make atonement for sins (iii. 3).
Water will quench a flaming fire,
and alms make atonement for sin (iii. 30).
Brethren and help are against time of trouble;
but alms deliver more than both (xl. 24).
Here is one of those ‘false beacon lights’ of which Prof. Bissell speaks (Apocrypha, p. 282). But in arrest of judgment remember that long discipline in the duties spoken of has produced some of the finest qualities in the Jewish character.
(b) Happy the man who has not offended in his speech,
and is not pricked with grief for sins (xiv. 1).
(c) Gain credit with thy neighbour in his poverty,
that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity;