Sir 34

1 The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools. 2 Whoso regards dreams is like him that catches at a shadow, and follows after the wind. 3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likenessof a face to a face. 4 Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truthcan come? 5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancies, as a woman'sheart in travail. 6 If they be not sent from the most High in your visitation, set not your heart upon them. 7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them. 8 The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth. 9 A man that has travelled knows many things; and he that has much experience will declarewisdom. 10 He that has no experience knows little: but he that has travelled is full of prudence. 11 When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express. 12 I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things. 13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that savesthem. 14 Whoso fears the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope. 15 Blessed is the soul of him that fears the Lord: to whom does he look? and who is hisstrength? 16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection andstrong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, andan help from falling. 17 He raises up the soul, and lightens the eyes: he gives health, life, and blessing. 18 He that sacrifices of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and thegifts of unjust men are not accepted. 19 The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacifiedfor sin by the multitude of sacrifices. 20 Whoso brings an offering of the goods of the poor does as one that kills the son beforehis father's eyes. 21 The bread of the needy is their life: he that defrauds him thereof is a man of blood. 22 He that takes away his neighbor's living slays him; and he that defrauds the labourerof his hire is a bloodshedder. 23 When one builds, and another pulls down, what profit have they then but labor? 24 When one prays, and another curses, whose voice will the Lord hear? 25 He that washes himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, whatavails his washing? 26 So is it with a man that fasts for his sins, and goes again, and does the same: who willhear his prayer? or what does his humbling profit him?