Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 39
Scholarship and Other Occupations (continued from chapter 38)
Sirach 39:1 But it is different with the person who devotes himself to studying the Law of the Most High. He examines the wisdom of all the ancient writers and concerns himself with the prophecies.
Sirach 39:2 He memorizes the sayings of famous men and is a skilled interpreter of parables.
Sirach 39:3 He studies the hidden meaning of proverbs and is able to discuss the obscure points of parables.
Sirach 39:4 Great people call on him for his services, and he is seen in the company of rulers. He travels to foreign lands in his efforts to learn about human good and evil.
Sirach 39:5 It is his practice to get up early and pray aloud to the Lord his Creator, asking the Most High to forgive his sins.
Sirach 39:6 Then, if the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with understanding. He will pour out a stream of wise sayings, and give thanks to the Lord in prayer.
Sirach 39:7 He will have knowledge to share and good advice to give, as well as insight into the Lord's secrets.
Sirach 39:8 He will demonstrate his learning in what he teaches, and his pride will be in the Lord's Law and covenant.
Sirach 39:9 He will be widely praised for his wisdom, and it will never be lost, because people for generations to come will remember him.
Sirach 39:10 The Gentiles will talk about his wisdom, and he will be praised aloud in the assembly.
Sirach 39:11 If he lives to old age, he will die famous, but if he is laid to rest before he is famous, he will be content.
Sirach 39:12 Like the moon, I am full-full of more ideas to be discussed.
Sirach 39:13 Listen to me, you devout children of mine, and blossom like a rosebush on a stream bank.
Sirach 39:14 Bloom like a sweet-smelling lily, and send your fragrance into the air like incense. Sing the Lord's praises, and thank him for all that he has done.
Sirach 39:15 Proclaim his glory in grateful praise! To the music of the harp, sing this song:
Sirach 39:16 All that
the Lord has done is very good;
all that he commands is sooner or later done.
Sirach 39:17 No one
should ask why things are as they are;
these questions will be answered at the right time.
He commanded, and the water was piled
up high,
great walls of water arose when he spoke.
Sirach 39:18 Whatever he
commands is promptly done;
there is no limits to his power to save.
Sirach 39:19 He sees all
that every human being does;
there is no way to hide from his sight.
Sirach 39:20 He
sees the whole of time, from beginning to end,
and nothing takes him by surprise.
Sirach 39:21 No one
should ask why things are as they are;
everything in creation has its purpose.
Sirach 39:22 His
blessings overflow like the Nile,
enriching the world in fertile flood.
Sirach 39:23 He
turns fresh water into salt water,
and he turns his anger on the nations.
Sirach 39:24 For the
devout, his ways are straight;
for the wicked, they are laid with traps.
Sirach 39:25 From the
beginning he has made good things for the good
and terrible things for sinners.
Sirach 39:26 The basic
needs of life are these:
water, fire, iron, and salt,
flour, honey, and milk,
wine, clothing, and oil.
Sirach 39:27 All these
things are good for those who are devout,
but they turn into evils for sinners.
Sirach 39:28 There are
winds that were created to bring punishment,
fierce enough to move mountains.
In times of judgment, they unleash
their strength
and calm the anger of their maker.
Sirach 39:29-30 Vicious
animals, scorpions, and snakes;
the sword that destroys the wicked;
fire, hail, famine, and disease;
these have all been created as punishments.
Sirach 39:31 They are
all glad to obey the Lord's command
and are ready to serve him here on earth.
When their times of duty come,
they never disobey.
Sirach 39:32 I was long convinced of this, so after thinking it over I put it in writing.
Sirach 39:33 Everything
made by the Lord is good;
he meets every need at the proper time.
Sirach 39:34 No one can
claim that some things are worse than others,
for everything is good in its proper place.
Sirach 39:35 Now then,
sing praises with all your heart,
and praise the name of the Lord!