Sirach, Chapter 16
1
Do not desire the form of young men of falsehood; And do not rejoice in sons of wickedness.
2
And even though they were fruitful, do not exult in them; If the fear of Yahweh is not with them.
3
Do not trust in their life; And do not put confidence in their footsteps. For one is better than a thousand; And to die childless than to have sons of wickedness.
4
From one who fears Yahweh, a city will be inhabited; And from a family of betrayers, it will be desolate.
5
Many such things has my eye seen; And numerous such things has my ear heard.
6
In the congregation of the wicked, a fire is burning; And in a godless nation, wrath is kindled.
7
He did not forgive the ancient princes; Those who rebelled in their strength.
8
And he did not spare the place where Lot sojourned; Those who were furious in their pride.
9
And he did not spare the nation devoted to destruction; Those who were trodden down in their iniquity.
10
Likewise [he did not spare] six hundred thousand on foot; Those who were taken away in the pride of their heart.
11
And if there is another who is stiff-necked; It would be a wonder if he were to be unpunished. For mercy and anger are with him; And he forgives and pardons, but will pour out his wrath.
12
As is the multitude of his mercies, so is his reproof: He will judge a man according to his works.
13
The unrighteous will not escape in robbery: And he will not cause the desire of the righteous to cease.
14
Everyone who does righteousness has a reward; And everyone will go forth according to his works.
17
Do not say, "I am hidden from God; And who will remember me on high? Among a mass of people, I will not be known; And what is my soul among all that have breath?
20
Likewise, he will not set his heart upon me; And who will consider my ways?
21
If I have sinned, no eye will see me. Or if I lie, it is all hidden, Who will know?
22
My work of righteousness, who will declare it? And what hope is there? For the decree is set."
23
Those who are void of understanding will think these things; And a [noble] man who is silly will consider this.
24
Listen to me, my son, and receive my teaching; And upon my words, set your heart.
25
I will pour out my spirit by weight, And by measure I will declare my knowledge.
26
When God created his works from the beginning, Concerning their life he assigned them portions.
27
He set in order his works forever, And their rule from generation to generation. They do not hunger, neither are they weak, And they do not cease from their works.
28
Not one presses on his neighbor, They never disobey his word.
29
And after these things the Lord looked upon the earth, And filled it with his good things.
30
With every living soul he covered the face of it; And into it is their return.
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