Books Jesus Read

174

Books Jesus Read

15 Every creature loves its like, and every person the neighbor.

16 All living beings associate with their own kind, and people stick close to those like themselves. 17 What does a wolf have in common with a lamb? No more has a sinner with the devout. 18 What peace is there between a hyena and a dog? And what peace between the rich and the poor? 19 Wild asses in the wilderness are the prey of lions; likewise the poor are feeding grounds for the rich. 20 Humility is an abomination to the proud; likewise the poor are an abomination to the rich. 21 When the rich person totters, he is supported by friends, but when the humble falls, he is pushed away even by friends. 22 If the rich person slips, many come to the rescue; he speaks unseemly words, but they justify him. If the humble person slips, they even criticize him; he talks sense, but is not given a hearing. 23 The rich person speaks and all are silent; they extol to the clouds what he says. The poor person speaks and they say, “Who is this fellow?” And should he stumble, they even push him down (13:15–23). 13 Question a friend; perhaps he did not do it; or if he did, so that he may not do it again. 14 Question a neighbor; perhaps he did not say it; or if he said it, so that he may not repeat it. 15 Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear. 16 A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has not sinned with his tongue? 17 Question your neighbor before you threaten him; and let the law of the Most High take its course (19:13–17).