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1How different it is for the one who devotes himself
to studying the law of the Most High.
He seeks out the wisdom of all the ancients
and is occupied with the prophets’ writings.
2He is careful to remember the sayings of the famous,
and he can perceive the subtle truths of parables.
3He searches out the hidden meanings of proverbs
and is very familiar with the secrets of parables.
4His services are employed by the great,
and he appears before the rulers.
He travels in foreign countries
and witnesses good and evil among humanity.
5He determines to rise early
to seek the Lord who made him
and to pray to the Most High.
He opens his mouth in prayer
and asks forgiveness for his sins.
6If it pleases the great Lord,
such a person will be filled with the spirit of understanding.
He will pour forth his own words of wisdom
and give thanks to the Lord in prayer.
7The Lord will direct his counsel and his knowledge
as he meditates on the Lord’s mysteries.
8He will display the wisdom he has gained
and glory in the law of the Lord’s covenant.
9Many will praise his understanding,
and he will never be forgotten.
People will always remember him,
and his name will be honored for all generations.
10Nations will declare his wisdom,
and the congregation will proclaim his praise.
11If he lives long, he will leave a name that surpasses a thousand;
if he dies, he has lived a full life.
12I, Sirach, have yet more on my mind to express,
for I am as full as the full moon.
13Listen to me, my faithful children, and blossom
like a rose planted by a stream.
14Give off fragrance like frankincense,
and bloom like a lily.
Spread fragrance, and sing a hymn of praise;
bless the Lord for all his works.
15Give glory to his name;
give praise and thanks to the Lord.
As you sing and play harps,
thank him with these words:
16“All the works of the Lord are very good,
and everything he commands is done at the appointed time.
17You must not say, ‘What is this?’ or ‘Why is that?’—
for all such questions will be answered at the appointed time.
At the Lord’s word the waters stood in a heap,
and reservoirs of water were created.
18When he commands, his will is carried out entirely,
and no one can hold back his saving power.
19He sees what everyone does,
and nothing can be hidden from his eyes.
20He sees everything throughout all eternity,
and nothing is too amazing for him.
21You must not say, ‘What is this?’ or ‘Why is that?’—
for everything has been created for a purpose.
22“The Lord’s blessing overflows like a river
and soaks the earth like a flood.
23His anger drives out the nations
just as he turned irrigated land into a salty desert.
24To the faithful, his journey is smooth,
but for sinners, the way is full of obstacles.
25From the beginning, good things were created for good people,
while bad things were created for sinners.
26The basic necessities of life
are water, fire, iron, salt,
flour, milk, honey,
juice from the grape, olive oil, and clothing.
27All these things are good for the godly,
but they turn out bad for sinners.
28“Some winds are created for vengeance,
and in their fury they can inflict terrible punishment.
On the day of judgment they will pour out their force
and give vent to the anger of their Maker.
29Fire, hail, famine, and disease—
all these were created for punishment.
30So also the fangs of wild animals, scorpions, and serpents,
and the sword that punishes the ungodly by destroying them.
31These things delight in doing the Lord’s bidding,
and they are always ready to serve him on earth.
When the time comes, they never disobey him.”
32I, Sirach, have been sure of all this from the beginning;
I have meditated on these things and put them in writing.
33All the works of the Lord are good,
and he will fully supply every need in due time.
34No one can say, “This is not as good as that,”
for all things will prove good at their proper time.
35So now sing praise with all your heart and voice,
and bless the name of the Lord.