Morning Prayer

A Reading from the Wisdom of Ben Sira.

1 My child, do not cheat the poor of their living,    and do not keep needy eyes waiting. 2 Do not grieve the hungry,    or anger one in need. 3 Do not add to the troubles of the desperate,    or delay giving to the needy. 4 Do not reject a suppliant in distress,    or turn your face away from the poor. 5 Do not avert your eye from the needy,    and give no one reason to curse you; 6 for if in bitterness of soul some should curse you, their Creator will hear their prayer. 7 Endear yourself to the congregation;    bow your head low to the great. 8 Give a hearing to the poor,    and return their greeting politely. 9 Rescue the oppressed from the oppressor;    and do not be hesitant in giving a verdict. 10 Be a father to orphans, and be like a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.