Sirach, Chapter 17
1
God created man out of the earth, And returned him into it again.
2
Days by number and a set time, he gave them; And he gave them authority over the things upon it.
3
As was fitting for them, he clothed them with strength; And in his image he made them.
4
And he put the fear of them upon all flesh, And gave them dominion over beasts and birds.
5
With insight and understanding, he filled their heart;
6
And taught them good and evil.
7
He formed for them tongue, and eyes, and ears, And gave them a heart to understand,
8
To show them the majesty of his works, That they might glory in his wonders,
9
And might declare the fear of him in the world,
10
And praise his holy name.
11
He set before them knowledge, And the law of life he gave them for a heritage.
12
He made an everlasting covenant with them, And showed them his judgements.
13
Their eyes beheld his glorious majesty, And their ear heard his glorious voice.
14
And he said to them, Beware of all unrighteousness; And he commanded them, each concerning his neighbor.
15
Their ways are ever before him, They are not hid from his eyes.
17
For every nation he appointed a ruler, But Israel is the Lord's portion,
19
All their works are clear as the sun before him, And his eyes are continually upon their ways.
20
Their iniquities are not hid from him, And all their sins are before the Lord.
22
The righteousness of men is to him as a signet, And the mercy of man he preserves as the apple of an eye.
23
Afterwards he will rise up and recompense them, And retribution he will bring upon their own head.
24
Nevertheless to those who repent he grants a return, And comforts those who lose patience.
25
Turn to the Lord and forsake sins, Supplicate before his face and lessen offence.
26
Turn to the Most High, and turn away from iniquity, And vehemently hate the disgusting thing.
27
For what pleasure does God have in all who perish in the world, Instead of those who live and give him praise?
28
Thanksgiving perishes from the dead as from one who does not exist, [But] he who lives and is in health praises the Lord.
29
How great is the mercy of the Lord, And [His] forgiveness to those who turn to him.
30
For it is not like this in man, Nor is his thought like the thoughts of the sons of men.
31
What is brighter than the sun? Yet this fails; And how much more man who [has] the inclination of flesh and blood.
32
He looks upon the host of the height of heaven, And [on] all men [who] are earth and ashes.