Ben Sira 38:16

16 My child, when someone dies, you should mourn. Weep and wail to show how deeply you feel the loss. Prepare the body in the proper way, and be present at the burial. 1

Ben Sira 38:16 In-Context

14 The doctor's prayer is that the Lord will make him able to ease his patients' pain and make them well again.
15 As for the person who sins against his Creator, he deserves to be sick.
16 My child, when someone dies, you should mourn. Weep and wail to show how deeply you feel the loss. Prepare the body in the proper way, and be present at the burial.
17 Weep bitterly and passionately; observe the proper period of mourning for the person. Mourn for a whole day or maybe two, to keep people from talking, but then pull yourself together and reconcile yourself to the loss.
18 Grief can undermine your health and even lead to your own death.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 38.16-23Ben Sira 22.11, 12.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.