Ben Sira 17:8-17

8 He put the fear of him into their hearts to show them the majesty of his works.

10 And they will praise his holy name, 9 to proclaim the grandeur of his works.

11 He bestowed knowledge upon them, and allotted to them the law of life.

12 He established with them an eternal covenant, and revealed to them his decrees.

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

14 He said to them, "Beware of all evil." And he gave commandment to each of them concerning the neighbor.

15 Their ways are always known to him; they will not be hid from his eyes.

17 He appointed a ruler for every nation, but Israel is the Lord's own portion.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities read [He set his eye upon]
• [b]. Other ancient authorities add [and he gave them to boast of his marvels forever]
• [c]. Other ancient authorities add [so that they may know that they who are alive now are mortal]
• [d]. Other ancient authorities add [+V16+WTheir ways from youth tend toward evil, and they are unable to make for themselves hearts of flesh in place of their stony hearts. +V17+WFor in the division of the nations of the whole earth, he appointed]
• [e]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 18, [whom, being his firstborn, he brings up with discipline, and allotting to him the light of his love, he does not neglect him.]