RELIGION AND ART

You may be wise, but if you cheat someone, you are acting like a fool. If you take a bribe, you ruin your character. The end of anything is better than its beginning. Patience is better than pride. Ecc. 7:7-8

Do not challenge a person who has influence, you may fall into his power. Do not quarrel with someone rich, he may bribe people to turn against you. Gold has destroyed many people and corrupted kings. Don't argue with someone who talks too much, you just be adding fire. Don't make fun of someone who has bad manners, he may insult your ancestors. Don't criticize someone if he/she is already turning away from sin. Remember that we are all guilty. Never think less of someone, because he is old, some of us are growing old too. Don't be happy over the death of anyone, remember that all of us must die.  Sir.8:1-7

A wise ruler will educate his people, and his government will be orderly. All the officials and all the citizens will be like their ruler. An uneducated king will ruin his people, but a government will grow strong if the rulers are wise.  The Lord sees to the government of the world and brings the right person to power at the right time. The success of that person is in the Lord's hands.  The Lord is the source of the honour given to any official. Sir. 10:1-5

Keep a close watch on yourself, my son, in everything you do, and discipline yourself in all your conduct. Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Whatever you have left over, give away as alms. At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavours and plans. Tobit 4:14b-15a, 16 ab, 19 Prayer of the Church P.P.