Humble yourself the more, the greater you are

My child,
conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved
more than a giver of gifts.

Humble yourself the more,
the greater you are,
and you will find favor with God.

What is too sublime for you,
seek not,
into things beyond your strength
search not.

The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs,
and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.

Water quenches a flaming fire,
and alms atone for sins.

(Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 -- today's first reading)