Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 17
God's Wisdom in Creation (continued from chapter 16)
Sirach 17:1 Then the Lord formed human beings from the dust and sent each of them back to it again.
Sirach 17:2 He gave them only a limited time to live, but he gave them authority over everything on earth.
Sirach 17:3 He made them to be like himself, and gave them his own strength.
Sirach 17:4 He made all creatures afraid of them; he gave them authority over all the animals and birds.
Sirach 17:6 He gave them their tongues, their eyes, their ears, their minds, and their consciences.
Sirach 17:7 He filled them with knowledge and understanding and showed them the difference between good and evil.
Sirach 17:8 He gave them his own insight to let them see the majesty of his creation.
Sirach 17:10 They will praise his holy name and proclaim the greatness of all he does.
Sirach 17:11 He made knowledge available to them and gave them the Law as a source of life.
Sirach 17:12 He made an eternal covenant with them and revealed his commands to them.
Sirach 17:13 They saw the splendor of his majesty and heard the glory of his voice.
Sirach 17:14 He warned them against unrighteousness and taught each person how to treat others.
Sirach 17:15 The Lord is always aware of what people do; there is no way to hide from him.
Sirach 17:16 From childhood on they tend to be evil; their heart is like stone, and they don't seem to be able to make it more human.
Sirach 17:17 He divided the nations of the whole earth. He gave each nation its own ruler, but Israel is the Lord's own possession.
Sirach 17:19 The Lord is always watching what people do; everything they do is as clear as day to him.
Sirach 17:20 None of their sins are hidden from him; he is aware of them all.
Sirach 17:22 When we give to the poor, the Lord considers it as precious as a valuable ring. Human kindness is as precious to him as life itself.
Sirach 17:23 Later he will judge the wicked and punish them; they will get what they deserve.
Sirach 17:24 But the Lord will allow those who repent to return to him. He always gives encouragement to those who are losing hope.
Sirach 17:25 Come to the Lord, and leave your sin behind. Pray sincerely that he will help you live a better life.
Sirach 17:26 Return to the Most High and turn away from sin. Have an intense hatred for wickedness.
Sirach 17:27 Those who are alive can give thanks to the Lord, but can anyone in the world of the dead sing praise to the Most High?
Sirach 17:28 KJVA
Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.Sirach 17:29 How great is the Lord's merciful forgiveness of those who turn to him!
Sirach 17:30 But this is not the nature of human beings; not one of us is immortal.
Sirach 17:31 Nothing is brighter than the sun, but even the sun's light fails during an eclipse. How much easier it is for human thoughts to be eclipsed by evil!
Sirach 17:32 The Lord can look out over all the stars in the sky. Human beings? They are dust and ashes.