Ben Sira 16:12-22

12 Great as is his mercy, so also is his chastisement; he judges a person according to his or her deeds.

13 The sinner will not escape with plunder, and the patience of the godly will not be frustrated.

14 He makes room for every act of mercy; everyone receives in accordance with his or her deeds.

17 Do not say, "I am hidden from the Lord, and who from on high has me in mind? Among so many people I am unknown, for what am I in a boundless creation?

18 Lo, heaven and the highest heaven, the abyss and the earth, tremble at his visitation!

19 The very mountains and the foundations of the earth quiver and quake when he looks upon them.

20 But no human mind can grasp this, and who can comprehend his ways?

21 Like a tempest that no one can see, so most of his works are concealed.

22 Who is to announce his acts of justice? Or who can await them? For his decree is far off."

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [+V15+WThe Lord hardened Pharaoh so that he did not recognize him, in order that his works might be known under heaven. +V16+WHis mercy is manifest to the whole of creation, and he divided his light and darkness with a plumb line.]
• [b]. Other ancient authorities add [The whole world past and present is in his will.]
• [c]. Meaning of Gk uncertain: Heb Syr [If I sin, no eye can see me, and if I am disloyal all in secret, who is to know?]
• [d]. Heb [the decree]: Gk [the covenant]
• [e]. Other ancient authorities add [and a scrutiny for all comes at the end]