1  Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations.

Sir35:Sir32:1  He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.

2  It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity.

3  And to depart from injustice is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices and a supplication for sins.

4  Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice.

Sir35:Sir32:2  He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.

5  To withdraw from iniquity is well-pleasing to the Lord. And to withdraw from injustice is a supplication for sins.

Sir35:Sir32:3  To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.

6  You should not appear empty before the sight of the Lord.

Sir35:Sir32:4  Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.

7  For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.

8  The oblation of the just fattens the altar, and is a fragrance of sweetness in the sight of the Most High.

Sir35:Sir32:6  The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.

9  The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will never forget the memorial of it.

10  Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands.

Sir35:Sir32:8  Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.

11  With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation.

Sir35:Sir32:9  In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.

12  Give to the Most High according to his gifts to you, and act with a good eye toward the creations of your hands.

Sir35:Sir32:10  Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.

13  For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you seven times as much.

Sir35:Sir32:11  For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much.

14  Do not be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them.

Sir35:Sir32:12  Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.

15  And do not be willing to consider an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no favoritism toward anyone.

16  The Lord will not accept favoritism against the poor, but he will heed the prayer of one who has been harmed.

Sir35:Sir32:13  He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.

17  He will not despise the prayers of the orphan, nor of the widow, if she utters a lamenting complaint.

18  Do a widow’s tears not run down her cheek? And will her outcry not cause their downfall?

Sir35:Sir32:15  Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?

19  For from her cheek, her tears ascend even to heaven. And the Lord, the One who listens, will not take delight in them.

20  Whoever adores God with joy will be accepted, and his prayer will reach even to the clouds.

Sir35:Sir32:16  He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.

21  The prayer of one who humbles himself will pierce the clouds. And it will not be consoled until it draws near; and it will not withdraw until the Most High beholds.

Sir35:Sir32:17  The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgement.

22  And the Lord will not delay, and he will judge for those who are just, and he will accomplish judgment. And the Almighty will not have patience with them, so that he may crush their back.

Sir35:Sir32:18  For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;

23  And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant, and broken the scepters of the iniquitous,

24  until he has rendered to men according to their deeds, and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,

Sir35:Sir32:19  Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.

25  until he has judged the judgment of his people. And he will delight the just with his mercy.

26  The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of tribulation, like a rain cloud in the time of drought.

Sir35:Sir32:20  Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.

36:1  O God of all, take pity on us, and look with favor on us, and show us the light of your compassion.

Sir36:Sir33:1  Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us

36:2  And send your fear upon the Gentiles, who have not sought you, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds.

2  And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee.

36:3  Lift up your hand over unbelieving nations, so that they may see your power.

3  Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.

36:4  For just as, in their sight, you have been sanctified in us, so also, in our sight, you will be magnified in them.

4  As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us.

36:5  So may they know you, as we also have known you. For there is no God apart from you, O Lord.

5  And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.

36:6  Renew your signs, and work new wonders.

7  Glorify your hand and your right arm.

6  Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works.

36:7  Stir up your fury, and pour out your wrath.

8  Take away our adversary, and afflict our enemy.

7  Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy.

36:8  Hasten the time, and remember the end, so that they may declare your miracles.

8  Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works.

36:9  Let those who escape be devoured by the wrath of fire. And let those who harass your people find perdition.

9  Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people.

36:10  Crush the head of the leaders of the enemies, for they say: “There is no other beside us.”

10  Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we.

36:11  Gather together all the tribes of Jacob, so that they may acknowledge that there is no God except you, and so that they may declare your great deeds. And you will inherit them, as from the beginning.

11  Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as from the beginning.

36:12  A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.

36:14  Take pity on your people, over whom your name has been invoked, and on Israel, whom you have treated as your firstborn.

36:15  Take pity on Jerusalem, the city of your sanctification, the city of your rest.

36:16  Fill Zion with your ineffable words, and fill your people with your glory.

36:17  Give testimony to those who have been your creations from the beginning, and lift up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in your name.

36:18  Give a reward to those who endure for you, so that your prophets may be found to be faithful. And heed the prayers of your servants,

36:19  in accord with the blessing of Aaron over your people. And direct us in the way of justice, and let all who inhabit the earth know that you are God, the Beholder of all ages.

36:20  The belly can devour any food, yet one meal is better than another.

36:21  The palate tests the meat of wild animals, and the understanding heart tests false words.

36:22  A corrupt heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it.

36:23  A woman can receive any male, yet one daughter is better than another.

36:24  The beauty of a wife cheers the face of her husband, and rises above his desire, above all the desires of man.

36:25  If she offers healing words, then she both comforts and shows mercy; and so her husband is not like other men.

36:26  He who holds to a good wife establishes a possession. She is a helper in agreement with him, and she is a pillar of rest.

36:27  Where there is no hedge, a possession will be trampled. And where there is no wife, he will mourn her absence.

36:28  Who will trust one who has no nest, and who conceals himself wherever his course may take him, like a well-equipped robber passing from city to city?

37:2  But a companion and friend may turn into an enemy.

2  Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?

37:3  O wicked presumption! From what were you created that you would cover the dry land with your malice and deceitfulness?

3  O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?

37:4  A companion may rejoice with his friend in good times, but in a time of tribulation, he will be an adversary.

4  There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.

37:5  There is a companion who commiserates with a friend for the sake of the stomach, but he will shield himself from the enemy.

37:6  You should not forget your friend in your soul, and you should not be unmindful of him in your wealth.

6  Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.

37:7  Do not choose to consult with someone who waits in ambush for you. And hide your counsel from those who rival you.

37:8  Every counselor offers advice, but some are counselors only for themselves.

Sir37:7  Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth for himself.

37:9  Guard your soul from a counselor. And know beforehand what his interests are. For he will form thoughts from his own soul.

Sir37:8  Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath; for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,

37:10  Otherwise, he may set a signpost in the ground, and he may say to you

Sir37:9  And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall befall thee.

37:11  “Your own way is good.” But then he will stand at a distance to see what befalls you.

37:12  Do not discuss holiness with an irreligious man, nor justice with one who is unjust. You should not speak with a woman about her who is a rival, nor with a coward about war, nor with a merchant about exaggeration, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with a spiteful man about giving thanks,

Sir37:10  Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.

37:13  nor with the impious about piety, nor with the dishonest about honesty, nor with the field worker about other kinds of work,

Sir37:11  Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.

37:14  nor with a worker hired for a year about the end of the year, nor with a lazy servant about great works. You should pay no heed to these persons in any matter of counsel.

37:15  But be continually with a holy man, with anyone whom you know to observe the fear of God,

Sir37:12  But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.

37:16  whose soul is in agreement with your own soul, and who, when you falter in the dark, will share your sorrows.

37:17  And establish a heart of good counsel within yourself. For there is nothing of greater usefulness to you than this.

Sir37:13  And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it.

37:18  At any time, the soul of a holy man declares more truths than seven vigilant watchmen sitting in a high place.

Sir37:14  For a man’s mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.

37:19  But concerning all things, pray to the Most High, so that he may direct your way in truth.

Sir37:15  And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way in truth.

37:20  In all your works, let a true word precede you, with steadfast counsel before every deed.

Sir37:16  Let reason go before every enterprise, and counsel before every action.

37:21  A wicked word can change the heart. From the heart four kinds of things arise: good and evil, life and death. And the tongue is continually their ruler. There is a man who is an astute teacher of many, and yet this is useless to his own soul.

17  The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.

18  Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually.

37:22  A man of experience has taught many, and this is pleasant to his own soul.

Sir37:19  There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself.

37:23  Whoever speaks mere rhetoric is hateful; he will be deceived in every matter.

Sir37:20  There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he shall be destitute of all food.

37:24  Grace is not given to him from the Lord. For he has been deprived of all wisdom.

Sir37:21  For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is deprived of all wisdom.

37:25  There is a wise man who is wise within his own soul, and the fruit of his understanding is praiseworthy.

Sir37:22  Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth.

37:26  A wise man instructs his own people, and the fruit of his understanding is faithful.

37:27  A wise man will be filled with blessings, and those who see will praise him.

Sir37:24  A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shall count him happy.

37:28  The life of a man is in the number of his days. But the days of Israel are innumerable.

Sir37:25  The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel are innumerable.

37:29  A wise man will inherit honor among the people, and his name will live in eternity.

Sir37:26  A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.

37:30  Son, test your own mind in your life, and if it is lacking, you should not give it authority.

Sir37:27  My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it.

37:31  For not all things are fitting for all persons, and not every kind of thing is agreeable to every soul.

Sir37:28  For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing.

37:32  Do not choose to be eager during any feast, and you should not act with excess toward any food.

Sir37:29  Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats

37:33  For in excessive eating there will be infirmity, and gluttony will continue even unto illness.

Sir37:30  For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler.

37:34  By excessive drinking, many have passed away. But he who abstains will add to his life.

Sir37:31  By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life.

38:1  Honor the physician because of necessity, and because the Most High created him.

1  Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.

38:2  For all healing is from God, and so he will receive gifts from the King.

2  For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the king.

38:3  The expertise of the physician will lift up his head, and in the sight of great men, he will be praised.

3  The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.

38:4  The Most High has created medicines from the earth, and a prudent man will not abhor them.

4  The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.

38:5  Was not bitter water made sweet with wood?

5  Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?

38:6  The benefits of these things is recognized by men, and the Most High has given this knowledge to men, so that he may be honored in his wonders.

6  And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works.

38:7  By these things, he will cure or mitigate their suffering, and the pharmacist will make soothing ointments, and he will form healing medicines, and there will be no end to his works.

7  With such doth he heal men, and taketh away their pains.

38:8  For the peace of God is upon the surface of the earth.

8  Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,

38:9  Son, in your infirmity, you should not neglect yourself, but pray to the Lord, and he will cure you.

9  My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole.

38:10  Turn away from sin, and direct your hands, and cleanse your heart from every offense.

10  Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness.

38:11  Give a sweet offering, and a memorial of fine flour, and fatten your oblation, but also give a place to the physician.

11  Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being.

38:12  For the Lord created him. And so, do not let him depart from you, for his works are necessary.

12  Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.

38:13  For there is a time when you may fall into their hands.

13  There is a time when in their hands there is good success.

38:14  Truly, they will beseech the Lord, so that he may direct their treatments and cures, for the sake of their way of life.

14  For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.

38:15  He who sins in the sight of the One who made him will fall into the hands of the physician.

15  He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.

38:16  Son, shed tears over the dead, and begin to weep, as if you had suffered dreadfully. And according to judgment, cover his body, and you should not neglect his burial.

16  My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.

38:17  And though you will sink down into bitterness, bear his mourning for one day, and then be consoled in your sadness.

17  Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.

38:18  And carry out his mourning, according to his merit, for one or two days because of this loss.

38:19  Yet sadness hastens death and overwhelms strength, and the sorrow of the heart bows down the neck.

Sir38:18  For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength.

38:20  When one is taken away, sorrow remains. But the resources of a destitute man is found in his heart.

Sir38:19  In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart.

38:21  You should not give your heart over to sadness, but push it away from you. And remember the very end.

Sir38:20  Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the last end.

38:22  Do not be willing to forget this; for there is no turning back. Otherwise, it will not benefit you, and you will cause great harm to yourself.

Sir38:21  Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt thyself.

38:23  Call to mind my judgment. For so shall it be for you also. Yesterday is mine, and today is yours.

Sir38:22  Remember my judgement: for thine also shall be so; yesterday for me, and to day for thee.

38:24  When the deceased is at rest, let his memory rest also. And console him at the departure of his spirit.

Sir38:23  When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.

38:25  The wisdom of a scribe is found in his time of leisure. So whoever has less to do will gain wisdom.

Sir38:24  The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise.

38:26  With what wisdom will someone be filled who holds the plow, and who boasts of the cattle prod that drives the oxen forward, and who is occupied in these labors, and whose only conversation is about the offspring of bulls?

Sir38:25  How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?

38:27  He will give his mind over to the plowing of furrows, and his vigilance to the fattening of the cows.

Sir38:26  He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give the kine fodder.

38:28  Similarly, every craftsman and artisan, who crafts in the night as well as in the day, who sculpts graven seals, and who, by his diligence, varies the image, will give his mind over to the likeness of the image. And he will complete the work by his vigilance.

Sir38:27  So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work

38:29  The blacksmith, sitting by his anvil and considering a work of iron, is similar. The steam from the fire singes his flesh, and he struggles against the heat of the furnace.

Sir38:28  The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly

38:30  The voice of the hammer is ever in his ears, and his eye is upon the pattern of the ironwork.

38:31  He gives his heart to the completion of his work, and his vigilance adorns it to perfection.

38:32  The potter, sitting at his work and turning the wheel with his feet, is similar. He has settled into a continual concern for his work, and there is a rhythm in all that he does.

Sir38:29  So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and maketh all his work by number;

38:33  He forms the clay with his arm, and he bends his strength over his feet.

Sir38:30  He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace

38:34  He will give his heart over to the completion of the glazing, and his vigilance to the cleansing of the furnace.

38:35  All these persons trust in their own hands, and each one is wise in his own art.

Sir38:31  All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his work.

38:36  Without these persons, a city is not built.

Sir38:32  Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go up and down

38:37  But they will neither inhabit nor walk around in the city. And they will not go across to the church.

38:38  They will not sit upon the seats of judges, and they will not understand a decree of judgment. And they will not make clear discipline and judgment, and they will not be found to understand parables.

Sir38:33  They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges’ seat, nor understand the sentence of judgement: they cannot declare justice and judgement; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.

38:39  But they will strengthen the state of the world, and their prayer will be in their artistic works, applying their soul, and searching the law of the Most High.

Sir38:34  But they will maintain the state of the world, and all their desire is in the work of their craft.

39:1  A wise man will seek the wisdom of all the ancients, and he will be occupied in the prophets.

1  But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.

39:2  He will preserve the words of renowned men, and he will enter with them into the subtleties of parables.

39:3  He will search for the hidden meanings of proverbs, and he will become familiar with the mysteries of parables.

3  He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark parables.

39:4  He will minister in the midst of great men, and he will appear in the sight of the foremost leader.

4  He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.

39:5  He will pass through the land of foreign nations. For he will test good and evil among men.

39:6  At first light, he will offer his heart with watchfulness to the Lord who made him, and he will pray in the sight of the Most High.

Sir39:5  He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.

39:7  He will open his mouth in prayer, and he will make supplication for his offenses.

39:8  For if the great Lord is willing, he will fill him with the Spirit of understanding.

Sir39:6  When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.

39:9  And he will send forth the eloquence of his wisdom like rain showers, and in his prayer, he will confess to the Lord.

39:10  And he will direct his counsel and his discipline, and he will meditate on his mysteries.

Sir39:7  He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.

39:11  He will make the discipline of his doctrine clear, and he will glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.

Sir39:8  He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.

39:12  Many persons will together praise his wisdom, and it will never be abolished, for all ages.

Sir39:9  Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation.

39:13  The memory of him will not fade away, and his name will be sought from generation to generation.

39:14  The peoples will declare his wisdom, and the Church will announce his praise.

Sir39:10  Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise.

39:15  While he remains, he leaves behind a name greater than a thousand, and when he will rest, it will be to his benefit.

Sir39:11  If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase it.

39:16  I will meditate further, so that I may explain. For I have been filled with a passion.

Sir39:12  Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am filled as the moon at the full.

39:17  In a voice, he says: Listen to me, divine fruits. You shall bear fruit, like roses planted beside streams of waters.

Sir39:13  Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field

39:18  You shall have a sweet fragrance, like the cedars of Lebanon.

39:19  Blossom with flowers, like the lily, and diffuse a fragrance, and sprout leaves in grace, and give praise with canticles, and bless the Lord in his works.

Sir39:14  And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.

39:20  Give magnificence to his name, and confess to him with the voice of your lips and with the canticles of your mouth and with stringed instruments. And in so praising him, you will confess

Sir39:15  Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say after this manner

39:21  All the works of the Lord are very good.

Sir39:16  All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.

39:22  At his word, the waters stood still, as if piled together. And at the words of his mouth, the waters were contained, as if in basins of water.

Sir39:17  And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.

39:23  For it is made pleasing by his precept, and there is no decrease in his salvation.

Sir39:18  At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none can hinder, when he will save.

39:24  The works of all flesh are in his sight, and there is nothing hidden from his eyes.

39:25  His gaze is from eternity to eternity, and nothing is a wonder in his sight.

Sir39:20  He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderful before him.

39:26  Let it not be said: “What is this?” or, “What is that?” For all things will be sought in their time.

Sir39:21  A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for he hath made all things for their uses.

39:27  His blessing has overflowed like a river.

Sir39:22  His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.

39:28  In the same way that a flood inundates the dry land, so also will his wrath inherit the peoples that have not sought him.

Sir39:23  As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherit his wrath.

39:29  In the same way that he turned the waters into dry land, and made the earth dry, and just as his ways have been directed for their journey, so also will sinners stumble before his wrath.

Sir39:24  As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they stumblingblocks unto the wicked.

39:30  From the beginning, good things were created for those who are good, and similarly, good and evil things are for those who are wicked.

Sir39:25  For the good are good things created from the beginning: so evil things for sinners.

39:31  The principal things necessary for the life of men are: water, fire, and iron, salt, milk, and flour for bread, and honey, and the grape cluster, and oil, and clothing.

39:32  All these things will be used for good by those who are holy, but they will be turned to evil use by the impious and by sinners.

Sir39:27  All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they are turned into evil.

39:33  There are spirits that have been created for vengeance, and they strengthen their torments by their fury.

Sir39:28  There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.

39:34  In the time of the consummation, they will pour forth their strength. And they will appease the fury of the One who made them.

39:35  Fire, hail, famine, and death: all these were created for vengeance.

Sir39:29  Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance;

39:36  The teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, and serpents, and the spear: all these take vengeance upon the impious, unto utter destruction.

Sir39:30  Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword punishing the wicked to destruction.

39:37  At his command, they will feast. And they will be prepared upon the earth until they are needed. And in their time, they will not ignore his word.

Sir39:31  They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come, they shall not transgress his word.

39:38  For this reason, from the beginning, I was strengthened, and I have meditated, and I have considered, and I have put these things in writing.

Sir39:32  Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them in writing.

39:39  All the works of the Lord are good, and he will provide for each work in its own hour.

39:40  Let it not be said: “This is worse than that.” For all things will be tested in their time.

Sir39:34  So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shall all be well approved.

39:41  And now, with the whole heart and mouth, give praise to him, and bless the name of the Lord.

Sir39:35  And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.

40:1  A great occupation was created for all men, and a heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day of their departure from their mother’s womb, even until the day of their burial into the mother of all

1  Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother’s womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.

40:2  their thoughts, and the fears of their heart, their imagined expectations, and the day of their end,

2  Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, trouble their thoughts, and cause fear of heart;

40:3  from him who sits upon a glorious throne, even to him who is humbled in earth and ashes,

40:4  from him who wears hyacinth and bears a crown, even to him who is covered with rough linen: wrath, envy, tumult, restlessness, and the fear of death, continual anger and contention.

4  From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.

40:5  And in the time of rest upon his bed, the sleep of the night changes his knowledge.

5  Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.

40:6  There is little or no rest, and sleep is taken from him, as if on a day of keeping watch.

6  A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.

40:7  He is disturbed by a vision of his heart, as if he had escaped in a day of warfare. In the time of his salvation, he rose up and wondered that there was no fear.

7  When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.

40:8  This is so with all flesh, from man even to cattle, but upon sinners it is seven times as great.

8  Such things happen unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.

40:9  Add to this: death, bloodshed, contention, and the spear, oppression, famine, and affliction, and scourges.

9  Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;

40:10  All these things have been created because of iniquity, and it is due to iniquity that the great flood was made.

10  These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.

40:11  All things that are of the earth shall return to the earth, and all waters shall return to the sea.

40:12  All bribery and iniquity will be wiped away, but faith shall stand forever.

12  All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.

40:13  The substance of the unjust will dry up like a river, and will pass away with a noise like loud thunder in a rainstorm.

13  The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.

40:14  When he opens his hands, he will rejoice. So will transgressors pass away at the consummation.

14  While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.

40:15  The descendents of the impious will not produce many branches, for they may be compared to dirty roots at the edge of a rock.

15  The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.

40:16  The weeds, which grow above every water and beside the banks of the river, will be uprooted before all the grass.

16  The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.

40:17  Grace is like a paradise of blessings, and mercy continues for eternity.

17  Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.

40:18  The life of a worker, when content with what is sufficient, will become sweet, and in it you will find a treasure.

18  To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.

40:19  Sons, and the building of a city, will establish a name, but an immaculate wife will be ranked above these things.

19  Children and the building of a city continue a man’s name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.

40:20  Wine and music rejoice the heart, but the love of wisdom is above them both.

40:21  The flute and the psaltery make a sweet melody, but a pleasant word is above them both.

40:22  Your eye desires elegance and beauty, but verdant fields are above these things.

22  Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.

40:23  A friend and a companion meet one another in time, but above them both is a wife with her husband.

40:24  Brothers are a help in time of tribulation, but mercy will liberate, more so than they will.

24  Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.

40:25  Gold and silver provide a firm position for the feet, but well-spoken counsel is above them both.

40:26  Ability and strength lift up the heart, but the fear of the Lord is above these things.

26  Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.

40:27  There is no loss in the fear of the Lord, and it has no need to ask for assistance.

40:28  The fear of the Lord is like a paradise of blessings, and they have covered it above all glory.

40:29  Son, in your lifetime you should not be indigent, for it is better to die than to be destitute.

Sir40:28  My son, lead not a beggar’s life; for better it is to die than to beg.

40:30  The life of him who looks to another man’s table should not be thought of as a way of life. For he feeds his life with another man’s food.

Sir40:29  The life of him that dependeth on another man’s table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men’s meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.

40:31  But a disciplined and well-taught man will take care of himself.

40:32  Scarcity will seem sweet to the mouth of the imprudent, but a fire will burn in his belly.

Sir40:30  Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.

41:1  O death, how bitter is the memory of you: to a man who has peace in his substance,

1  O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!

41:2  to a quiet man, and to him whose ways are directed properly in all things, and who still has the strength to take nourishment.

41:3  O death, your judgment is good to the indigent man, and to him whose strength has diminished,

Sir41:2  O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!

41:4  who is failing due to old age, and who is anxious about all things, and to the unbelieving man who has lost patience.

41:5  Do not choose to dread the judgment of death. Remember the things that occurred before you, and the things that will occur after you. This judgment is from the Lord upon all flesh.

Sir41:3  Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.

41:6  And what will happen to you is well-pleasing to the Most High, whether in ten, or one hundred, or one thousand years.

Sir41:4  And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.

41:7  For death is no indictment of life.

41:8  The sons of sinners, and those who pass their time in the manner of the houses of the impious, become sons of abominations.

Sir41:5  The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.

41:9  The inheritance of the sons of sinners will perish, and continual disgrace will be with their offspring.

Sir41:6  The inheritance of sinners’ children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.

41:10  The sons of an impious father will complain, for they are in disgrace because of him.

Sir41:7  The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.

41:11  Woe to you, impious men, who have abandoned the law of the Most High Lord!

Sir41:8  Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your destruction

41:12  And when you are born, you will be born into a curse; and when you die, your portion will be in a curse.

Sir41:9  And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse shall be your portion.

41:13  All things that are from the earth shall return to the earth. Similarly, the impious will proceed from a curse unto perdition.

Sir41:10  All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.

41:14  The grieving of men is in their body, but the name of the impious will be wiped away.

Sir41:11  The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.

41:15  Have concern for your good name. For this will continue with you, more so than a thousand precious and great treasures.

Sir41:12  Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.

41:16  A good life has its number of days, but a good name will continue forever.

Sir41:13  A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.

41:17  Sons, practice discipline peacefully. For what use is there in either concealed wisdom, or undiscovered treasure?

Sir41:14  My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?

41:18  Better is the man who hides his foolishness than the man who hides his wisdom.

Sir41:15  A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.

41:19  Yet truly, have respect for these things which proceed from my mouth.

41:20  For it is not good to observe every reverence. And all things do not please all persons in their beliefs.

Sir41:16  Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.

41:21  Have shame of these things: of fornication before father and mother, and of a lie before the first leader and the powerful,

Sir41:17  Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man;

41:22  of a crime before a ruler or a judge, of iniquity before a congregation or a people,

41:23  of injustice before a companion or a friend, and of the place in which you live,

Sir41:18  Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend;

41:24  of theft, and of the truth before God, and of the covenant, of reclining to eat bread, and of deceitfulness in giving or receiving,

Sir41:19  And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and take;

41:25  of silence before those who greet you, of looking upon a woman of fornication, and of averting your face from a relative.

Sir41:20  And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;

41:26  You should not avert your face from your neighbor, nor should you take away a portion and not restore it.

Sir41:21  And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man’s wife.

41:27  You should not stare at another man’s wife, and nor pursue his handmaid, nor approach her bed.

Sir41:22  Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast given, upbraid not;

41:28  Avoid reproachful speeches before friends, and when you give, you should not place blame.

42:1  You should not repeat a claim heard from the revealing of a hidden word. And then, truly, you will be without shame, and you will find favor in the sight of all men. You should not accept the reputation of someone, so that you would sin, nor should you be confounded in any of the following things

1  Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets. So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men. Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby

42:2  in the law of the Most High and his covenant, or by giving a judgment to justify the impious;

42:3  in a word among companions and fellow travelers, or by distributing the inheritance of friends;

3  Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift of the heritage of friends;

42:4  in the fairness of scales and weights, or in acquiring much or little;

4  Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or little;

42:5  by the corruption of buying and negotiating, or in the ample discipline of children, or in causing the side of a wicked servant to bleed.

5  And of merchants’ indifferent selling; of much correction of children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.

42:6  A seal is good over a wicked wife.

6  Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up, where many hands are.

42:7  Where there are many hands, seal and deliver all things by number and weight; and truly, give and receive everything in writing.

7  Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.

42:8  You should not have shame in correcting the senseless, the foolish, and those youths who would judge their elders. And so shall you be well-instructed in all things and well-approved in the sight of all the living.

8  Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young: thus shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.

42:9  The vigilance of a father for his daughter is hidden, and his concern for her takes away his sleep. For perhaps, in her adolescence, she might be brought into adulthood. Or when she lives with her husband, she might become hateful.

9  A daughter is a wakeful care to a father; and the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she should be hated

42:10  In her virginity, she might be defiled, and then she may be found to be pregnant in her father’s house. Or perhaps, when she lives with her husband, she might stray, or at least become barren.

10  In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father’s house; and having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she should be barren.

42:11  Keep a close watch over a self-indulgent daughter. Otherwise, at some time, she might bring you into disgrace before your enemies, and into disrepute in the city, and into reproach among the people, and so she may confound you before the multitude of the people.

11  Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city, and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before the multitude.

42:12  She should not choose to gaze upon the beauty of every man, and she should not choose to spend her time in the midst of married women.

12  Behold not every body’s beauty, and sit not in the midst of women.

42:13  For a moth goes forth from garments, and iniquity over a man goes forth from a woman.

13  For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.

42:14  Yet iniquity over a man is better for her than if a married woman, seeking to benefit her, instead leads her into confusion and disgrace.

14  Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.

42:15  And now, I will remember the works of the Lord, and I will announce what I have seen. The words of the Lord are in his works.

15  I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.

42:16  The sun illuminates and considers all things, and its work shows the fullness of the glory of the Lord.

16  The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.

42:17  Has not the Lord caused the holy ones to describe all his miracles, which the all-powerful Lord has firmly established in his glory?

17  The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is might be established for his glory.

42:18  He has examined the abyss and the hearts of men. And he has considered their astuteness.

18  He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and he beholdeth the signs of the world.

42:19  For the Lord comprehends all knowledge, and he has gazed upon the signs of the times: announcing the things of the past, as well as the things of the future, and revealing the traces of hidden things.

19  He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and revealeth the steps of hidden things.

42:20  No thought passes by him unnoticed, and no word can conceal itself from him.

20  No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.

42:21  He has adorned the magnificent works of his wisdom. He is before eternity and even unto eternity. And nothing can be added,

21  He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any counsellor.

42:22  and nothing can be taken away. And he has no need of any counselor.

42:23  O how desirable are all his works! And all that we consider is but a spark.

Sir42:22  Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see even to a spark.

42:24  All these works exist, and they remain in the present age, and they all obey him in every purpose.

Sir42:23  All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and they are all obedient.

42:25  All things are two-fold, one facing another, and he has not made anything to be lacking.

Sir42:24  All things are double one against another: and he hath made nothing imperfect.

42:26  He has confirmed each thing as good. And who would tire of beholding his glory?

Sir42:25  One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be filled with beholding his glory?

43:1  The firmament on high is his beauty; it is the beauty of heaven in a vision of glory.

1  The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shew;

43:2  The sun, at its appearance, announces its journey; it is an instrument of wonder, a work of the Most High.

2  The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High

43:3  At midday, it scorches the earth. And in the presence of its heat, who would be able to endure? It is like the custodian of a furnace in its works of heat.

3  At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?

43:4  In three ways, the sun acts: scorching the mountains, emitting fiery rays, and shining with its beams that can blind the eyes.

4  A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.

43:5  Great is the Lord who made it, and at his word, it hurries on its journey.

5  Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.

43:6  And the moon, in all its phases, serves to mark the seasons and to be a sign of the times.

6  He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.

43:7  From the moon is the sign of a feast day; it is a light which diminishes at its consummation.

43:8  A month is named according to its phases, increasing wonderfully at its culmination.

8  The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;

43:9  It is an instrument of the armies on high, shining gloriously in the firmament of heaven.

43:10  The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven; the Lord illuminates the world from on high.

Sir43:9  The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.

43:11  At the words of the Holy One, they stand for judgment, and they will never fail in their vigilance.

Sir43:10  At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.

43:12  Consider the rainbow, and bless the One who made it; it is very beautiful in its splendor.

Sir43:11  Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.

43:13  It encompasses the heavens with the circle of its glory; the hands of the Most High made it appear.

Sir43:12  It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.

43:14  By his order, he hastens the snow, and he spurs on the lightning to express his judgment.

Sir43:13  By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall apace, and sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgement.

43:15  In like manner, his storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly out like birds.

Sir43:14  Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth as fowls.

43:16  By his greatness, he has positioned the clouds, and the hailstones have been broken.

Sir43:15  By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones are broken small.

43:17  At his glance, the mountains will be shaken, and by his will, the south wind will blow.

Sir43:16  At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the south wind bloweth.

43:18  The voice of his thunder will reverberate through the earth, by a storm from the north, and by a gathering of the whirlwind.

Sir43:17  The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers

43:19  And like the birds landing in a flock upon the earth, he sends down the snow; and its descent is like the arrival of a swarm of locusts.

43:20  The eye is in wonder at the beauty of its whiteness, and the heart is astonished at its falling.

Sir43:18  The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.

43:21  He will pour out frost like salt upon the earth. And when it freezes, it will become like the tops of thistles.

Sir43:19  The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.

43:22  The cold north wind blows, and the water freezes into crystals; it will rest upon every gathering of water, and it will clothe the water like a breastplate.

Sir43:20  When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and clotheth the water as with a breastplate.

43:23  And it will devour the mountains, and burn the wilderness, and extinguish the greenery, like a fire.

Sir43:21  It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth the grass as fire.

43:24  Relief for all is in the hurried arrival of a cloud. And the lowly dew will arrive to meet the heat and overpower it.

Sir43:22  A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew coming after heat refresheth.

43:25  At his word, the wind grows quiet, and by his thought, he appeases the abyss, for the Lord has planted islands in it.

Sir43:23  By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands therein.

43:26  Let those who navigate the sea describe its perils. And when we have heard it with our ears, we will wonder.

Sir43:24  They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.

43:27  There are illustrious and wondrous works: the various kinds of wild animals, and all manner of cattle, and the great creatures of the sea.

Sir43:25  For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beasts and whales created.

43:28  Through him, the end of their journey is confirmed, and by his word, all things fit together.

Sir43:26  By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his word all things consist.

43:29  We can say much, and yet still lack for words. But the consummation of our words is this: He is in all things.

Sir43:27  We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he is all.

43:30  What would we be able to do to glorify him? For the Almighty himself is above all his own works.

Sir43:28  How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above all his works.

43:31  The Lord is terrible, and exceedingly great, and his power is wonderful.

43:32  Glorify the Lord as much as you are able, yet still he will far exceed this. For his magnificence is beyond wonder.

43:33  Bless the Lord and exalt him, as much as you are able. But he is beyond all praise.

43:34  When you exalt him, use all your ability, and do not cease in this labor. For you can never comprehend him.

Sir43:30  When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far enough.

43:35  Who will see him and explain? And who will magnify him, as he is from the beginning?

Sir43:31  Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify him as he is?

43:36  There are many things, hidden from us, which are greater than these things. For we have seen but a few of his works.

Sir43:32  There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have seen but a few of his works.

43:37  But the Lord has made all things, and he has given wisdom to those who act with piety.

Sir43:33  For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he given wisdom.

44:1  Let us praise the men of glory, and our ancestors in their generation.

1  Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.

44:2  The Lord has wrought great glory, by his own magnificence, from ancient times.

2  The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.

44:3  There are those who rule with their authority, men of great virtue, who are gifted with prudence. There are those who announce among the prophets, with the dignity of prophets.

3  Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies

44:4  And there are those who rule over the present generation, by the virtue of prudence, with very holy words for the people.

4  Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions

44:5  There are those who, by their skill, compose musical themes, so as to set the verses of Scripture to music.

5  Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing

44:6  There are men rich in virtue, who make a study of beauty, who live in peacefulness in their houses.

6  Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations

44:7  All these obtained glory in their generations, and they had praise in their days.

44:8  They left behind a name for those who were born of them, so that their praises might be described.

8  There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.

44:9  But for some of them, there is no memorial. They have passed away as if they had never existed; and they have become as if they had never been born, and their sons along with them.

9  And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.

44:10  But these were men of mercy, whose pious deeds have not failed.

44:11  Good things continue with their offspring.

11  With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant.

44:12  Their descendents are a holy inheritance, and their offspring stand firm in the covenants.

12  Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.

44:13  And because of them, their sons remain even unto eternity. Their offspring and their glory will not be forsaken.

13  Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.

44:14  Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives on, from generation to generation.

44:15  Let the people declare their wisdom, and let the Church announce their praise.

15  The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.

44:16  Enoch pleased God, and he was transferred to Paradise, so that he might offer repentance to the nations.

16  Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.

44:17  Noah was found to be perfect and just, and so, in the time of wrath, he was made a reconciliation.

17  Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world; therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.

44:18  As a result, there was a remnant left for the earth, when the great flood was made.

44:19  The covenants of the world were placed with him, so that all flesh would not be wiped away by the great flood.

Sir44:18  An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more by the flood.

44:20  Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and no one was found to be like him in glory. He observed the law of the Most High, and he formed a covenant with him.

Sir44:19  Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there none like unto him;

44:21  In his flesh, he caused the covenant to stand, and when tested, he was found to be faithful.

Sir44:20  Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.

44:22  Therefore, by an oath, he gave glory to him among his people, so as to increase him like the dust of the earth,

Sir44:21  Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part of the land.

44:23  and to exalt his offspring like the stars, and to give an inheritance to them from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.

44:24  And he acted in like manner toward Isaac, because of his father Abraham.

Sir44:22  With Isaac did he establish likewise for Abraham his father’s sake the blessing of all men, and the covenant,

44:25  The Lord gave the blessing of all the nations to him, and he confirmed his covenant upon the head of Jacob.

Sir44:23  And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part them.

44:26  He acknowledged him in his blessings, and he gave an inheritance to him, and he distributed to him the portion of the twelve tribes.

44:27  And he preserved for him men of mercy, who were found to have grace before the eyes of all flesh.

Sir44:24  And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.

45:1  Moses was beloved by God and men. The remembrance of him is a blessing.

45:2  He made him like the holy ones in glory, and he magnified him by the fear of his enemies, and he appeased great portents by his words.

2  He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him.

45:3  He glorified him in the sight of kings, and he gave commandments to him in the sight of his people, and he revealed his glory to him.

3  By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory.

45:4  He made him holy by his faith and meekness, and he chose him from among all flesh.

4  He sanctified him in his faithfulness and meekness, and chose him out of all men.

45:5  For he heard him and his voice, and he led him into a cloud.

5  He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants, and Israel his judgements.

45:6  And he gave him precepts in his presence, with a law of life and discipline, so as to teach Jacob his covenant and Israel his judgments.

45:7  He exalted his brother Aaron and those who were similar to him from the tribe of Levi.

Sir45:6  He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his brother, of the tribe of Levi.

45:8  He established an eternal covenant with him, and he gave him the priesthood of the people, and he caused him to be blessed in glory.

Sir45:7  An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the priesthood among the people; he beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.

45:9  And he encircled him with a glorious belt, and he clothed him with a robe of glory, and he crowned him with virtuous attire.

Sir45:8  He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.

45:10  He placed upon him a garment to the feet, and pants, and an ephod, and he wrapped him all around with many little bells of gold,

45:11  so that there would be a sound at his arrival, and so as to make a noise that would be heard in the temple, as a memorial for the sons of his people.

Sir45:9  And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people;

45:12  He provided him with a holy robe of gold and hyacinth and purple, a woven work for a wise man of judgment and truth,

Sir45:10  With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroiderer, with a breastplate of judgement, and with Urim and Thummim;

45:13  a work of twisted scarlet, the work of an artist, with precious stones, cut and set in gold, and engraved by the work of a jeweler, as a memorial according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Sir45:11  With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the number of the tribes of Israel.

45:14  He provided him with a crown of gold upon his headdress, on which was written a symbol of holiness, a mark of honor. This was a work of virtue and a delight to the eyes in its beauty.

Sir45:12  He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.

45:15  Prior to him, there was no one of such beauty, even from the beginning.

Sir45:13  Before him there were none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children and his children’s children perpetually.

45:16  No foreigner was ever clothed with these things, but only his sons and his descendents alone, for all time.

45:17  His sacrifices were consumed by fire daily.

Sir45:14  Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually.

45:18  Moses filled his hands and anointed him with holy oil.

Sir45:15  Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people in his name.

45:19  An eternal covenant was made, with him and with his offspring, like the days of heaven, to execute the office of the priesthood, and to give praise and to glorify his people, in his name.

45:20  He chose him from among all living men to offer to God sacrifice, incense, and a pleasing fragrance, as a memorial of appeasement on behalf of his people.

Sir45:16  He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make reconciliation for his people.

45:21  And he gave him authority by his precepts, in the covenants of his judgments, to teach Jacob his testimonies, and to give light by his law to Israel.

Sir45:17  He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgements, that he should teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.

45:22  Then strangers stood up against him, and, because of envy, the men who were with Dathan and Abiram surrounded him in the desert, along with the congregation of Korah, in their anger.

Sir45:18  Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan’s and Abiron’s side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.

45:23  The Lord God saw this, and it did not please him, and so they were consumed by the force of his anger.

Sir45:19  This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fiery flame.

45:24  He wrought great portents among them, and he consumed them with a flame of fire.

45:25  And he added glory to Aaron, and he gave him an inheritance, and he allotted to him the first-fruits of the earth.

Sir45:20  But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially he prepared bread in abundance

45:26  He prepared for them the finest bread unto fullness. And they shall also eat from the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave to him and to his offspring.

Sir45:21  For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave unto him and his seed.

45:27  And yet he will not have an inheritance among the people of the land, and he has no portion among the people. For the Lord himself is his portion and his inheritance.

Sir45:22  Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance.

45:28  Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, is third in glory, by imitating him in the fear of the Lord.

Sir45:23  The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage of heart: when the people were turned back, and made reconciliation for Israel.

45:29  And he stood up against the shamefulness of the people. By the goodness and responsiveness of his soul, he appeased God on behalf of Israel.

45:30  For this reason, he made him a covenant of peace, a leader of the sanctuary and of his people, so that the dignity of the priesthood would remain with him and with his offspring unto eternity.

Sir45:24  Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the priesthood for ever

45:31  And he made a covenant with king David, the son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, an inheritance for him and for his offspring, so that he might provide wisdom for our hearts, so as to judge his people in justice, lest their good things be abolished. And he caused their glory within their nation to be everlasting.

25  According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be unto his seed.

26  God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that their glory may endure for ever.

46:1  Joshua, the son of Nun, was valiant in warfare; he was the successor of Moses among the prophets. He was great in accord with his name,

1  Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he might set Israel in their inheritance.

46:2  very great in the saving the elect of God. He fought against the insurgent enemies, so that he might obtain the inheritance for Israel.

2  How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched out his sword against the cities!

46:3  What great glory he secured, by lifting up his hands and throwing his spears against the cities!

3  Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought his enemies unto him.

46:4  Who before him has stood so firmly? For the Lord himself led forward the enemies.

4  Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as long as two?

46:5  Was not the sun halted by his wrath, and one day made as if two?

5  He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.

46:6  He called upon the Most High Power, when the enemies assailed him on every side. And the great and holy God answered him with hailstones of exceedingly great force.

6  And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent of Beth-horon he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.

46:7  He made a violent assault against a hostile nation, and at his descent, he destroyed his adversaries,

46:8  so that the nations would acknowledge his power: that it is not easy to fight against God. And he followed the Almighty.

46:9  And in the days of Moses, he accomplished a work of mercy. He and Caleb, the son of Jephuneh, stood against the enemy, and forbid the people from sin, and broke their wicked murmuring.

Sir46:7  In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the wicked murmuring.

46:10  And these two, having been appointed, were freed from peril, from foot soldiers numbering six hundred thousand, so as to lead them into their inheritance, into a land flowing with milk and honey.

Sir46:8  And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even unto the land that floweth with milk and honey.

46:11  And the Lord gave strength to Caleb also, and his strength remained even in his old age, so that he ascended to the high places of the land, and his offspring obtained it as an inheritance.

Sir46:9  The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage

46:12  This was so that all the sons of Israel would see that it is good to obey the holy God.

Sir46:10  That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to follow the Lord.

46:13  Then there were the judges, each one called by name, whose heart was not corrupted. They did not turn away from the Lord,

Sir46:11  And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.

46:14  so that their memory might be blessed, and their bones might spring forth from their place,

Sir46:12  Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.

46:15  and their name might remain forever, continuing in their sons, holy men of glory.

46:16  Samuel, prophet of the Lord, beloved by the Lord his God, established a new government, and he anointed leaders over his people.

Sir46:13  Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.

46:17  By the law of the Lord, he judged the congregation, and the God of Jacob saw it, and so, by his fidelity, he was proven to be a prophet.

Sir46:14  By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto Jacob.

46:18  And he was known to be faithful in his words. For he saw the God of light.

Sir46:15  By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his word he was known to be faithful in vision.

46:19  And when fighting against the enemies, who stood against him on every side, he called upon the name of the Almighty Lord, with an offering of an inviolate lamb.

Sir46:16  He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.

46:20  And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise, he made his voice to be heard.

46:21  And he crushed the leaders of the Tyrians, and all the commanders of the Philistines.

Sir46:18  And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes of the Philistines.

46:22  And before the time of the end of his life in the world, he offered testimony in the sight of the Lord and of his Christ, that he had not taken a bribe from any flesh, not even so much as a shoe, and that no man made an accusation against him.

Sir46:19  And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man’s goods, so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.

46:23  And after this, he slept. And he made known to the king and revealed to him the end of his life. And he lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to abolish the impiety of the people.

Sir46:20  And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness of the people.