Given by: Jesus ben Sira (the sage), teaching on generosity in view of our mortality. Given to: 'my son' — the reader.

In an economy where hoarding meant security, Ben Sira insists that goods are for doing good now — to a friend and to the poor — because death strips the hoarder of all he kept back.

Do good to thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability, stretching out thy hand give to the poor.

Do good to your friend and give to the poor now, while you still can, before death overtakes you.

Sirach 14:13

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour