Sirach 34:23
King James VersionSource notes
“When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?”
Context
20Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father’s eyes.
21The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.
22He that taketh away his neighbour’s living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.
23When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
24When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
26So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?