Ben Sira 2:12-18

12 But those who lose their nerve are doomed - all those sinners who try to have it both ways!

13 Doom is sure to come for those who lose their courage; they have no faith, and so they will have no protection.

14 Doom is sure to come for those who lose their hope. What will they do when the Lord comes to judge them?

15 Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his commands; those who love him will live as he wants them to live. ¹

16 Those who fear and love the Lord will try to please him and devote themselves to the Law.

17 Those who fear the Lord are always ready to serve him. They humble themselves before him, and say,

18 "We place our destiny in the hands of the Lord, not in human hands, because his mercy is as great as his majesty."

Cross References 1