Ecclesiasticus Chapter 4
An exhortation to works of mercy, and to the love of wisdom.
4:1. Son, defraud not the poor of alms, and turn not away thy eyes from the poor.
4:2. Despise not the hungry soul: and provoke not the poor in his want.
4:3. Afflict not the heart of the needy, and defer not to gibe to him that is in distress.
4:4. Reject not the petition of the afflicted: and turn not away thy face from the needy.
4:5. Turn not away thy eyes from the poor for fear of anger: and leave not to them that ask of thee to curse thee behind thy back.
4:6. For the prayer of him that curseth thee in the bitterness of his soul, shall be heard, for he that made him will hear him.
4:7. Make thyself affable to the congregation of the poor, and humble thy soul to the ancient, and bow thy head to a great man.
4:8. Bow down thy ear cheerfully to the poor, and pay what thou owest, and answer him peaceable words with mildness.