The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 17

1The Lord created man of the earth, 2He gave them days by number, and a set time, 3He endued them with strength proper to them; 4He put the fear of man upon all flesh, Gr. him. gave him to have dominion over beasts and fowls. 5Verse 5 is omitted by the best authorities. 6Counsel, and tongue, and eyes, 7He filled them with the knowledge of wisdom, 8He set his eye upon their hearts, 9Verse 9 is omitted by the best authorities. 10And they will praise the name of his holiness, That they may declare the majesty of his works. This line is added by the best authorities. 11He added to them knowledge, 12He made an everlasting covenant with them, 13Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory; his voice. Some ancient authorities read their. 14And he said to them, Beware of all unrighteousness; 15Their ways are ever before him; 16Verses 16, 18, and 21 are omitted by the best authorities. 17For every nation he appointed a ruler; The preceding part of this verse is omitted by the best authorities. 18Verses 16, 18, and 21 are omitted by the best authorities. 19All their works are as the sun before him; 20Their iniquities are not hid from him; 21Verses 16, 18, and 21 are omitted by the best authorities. 22With him the alms of a man is as a signet; The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities. 23Afterwards he will rise up and recompense them, 24Howbeit to those who repent he granteth a return; 25Return to the Lord, and forsake sins: his face, and lessen the offence. 26Turn again to the Most High, and turn away from iniquity; A line is here omitted by the best authorities. 27Who will give praise to the Most High in the grave, Gr. Hades. 28Thanksgiving perishes from the dead, as from one that is not: 29How great is the mercy of the Lord, 30For all things can’t be in men, 31What is brighter than the sun? yet this fails: 32He looks upon the power of the height of heaven: