Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 17

17:1

The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again.

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17:2

He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein.

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17:3

He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to his image,

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17:4

and put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls.

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17:6

Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand.

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17:7

Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil.

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17:8

He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness of his works;

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17:10

and they shall praise his holy name, that they may search out his marvellous works.

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17:11

Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.

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17:12

He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them his judgments.

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17:13

Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice.

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17:14

And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.

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17:15

Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes.

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17:17

For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:

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17:19

Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.

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17:20

None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord.

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17:22

The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.

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17:23

Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompence upon their heads.

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17:24

But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience.

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17:25

Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before his face, and offend less.

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17:26

Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abomination vehemently.

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17:27

Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks?

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17:28

Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.

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17:29

How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!

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17:30

For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.

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17:31

What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth: and flesh and blood will imagine evil.

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17:32

He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earth and ashes.

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