Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 39

39:1

Not so he who has applied his soul

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39:2

He will keep the sayings of the men of renown

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39:3

He will seek out the hidden meaning of proverbs

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39:4

He will serve amongst great men

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39:5

He will apply his heart to return early to the Lord who made him,

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39:6

If the great Lord wills,

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39:7

He will direct his counsel and knowledge,

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39:8

He will show the instruction which he has been taught

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39:9

Many will commend his understanding.

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39:10

Nations will declare his wisdom.

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39:11

If he continues, he will leave a greater name than a thousand.

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39:12

Yet more I will utter, which I have thought about.

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39:13

Listen to me, you holy children,

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39:14

Give a sweet fragrance like frankincense.

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39:15

Magnify his name

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39:16

All the works of the Lord are exceedingly good,

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39:17

No one can say, “What is this?” “Why is that?”

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39:18

At his command all his good pleasure is fulfilled.

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39:19

The works of all flesh are before him.

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39:20

He sees from everlasting to everlasting.

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39:21

No one can say, “What is this?” “Why is that?”

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39:22

His blessing covered the dry land as a river

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39:23

As he has made the waters salty,

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39:24

His ways are plain to the holy.

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39:25

Good things are created from the beginning for the good.

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39:26

The main things necessary for the life of man

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39:27

All these things are for good to the godly,

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39:28

There are winds that are created for vengeance,

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39:29

Fire, hail, famine, and death—

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39:30

wild beasts’ teeth, scorpions, adders,

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39:31

They will rejoice in his commandment,

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39:32

Therefore from the beginning I was convinced,

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39:33

All the works of the Lord are good.

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39:34

No one can say, “This is worse than that,”

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39:35

Now with all your hearts and voices, sing praises

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