Ben Sira 40:16

16 like reeds along a river bank, withering before any other plant.

Ben Sira 40:16 In-Context

14 tumbling rocks along as it flows, but then suddenly goes dry.
15 The children of ungodly people will not leave large families; they are like plants trying to take root on rock,
16 like reeds along a river bank, withering before any other plant.
17 Acts of kindness and charity are as lasting as eternity.
18 Being independently wealthy or working for a living - both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] withering; [Greek] pulled up.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.