Ben Sira 42:12-22

12 Don't let her show off her beauty in front of men, or spend her time talking with the women.
13 Women hurt other women just as moths damage clothing.
14 A man's wickedness is better than a woman's goodness; women bring shame and disgrace.
15 Now I will remind you of the works of the Lord and describe the things I have seen. The words of the Lord brought his works into being, and the whole creation obeys his commands.
16 The light of the sun shines down on everything, and everything is filled with the Lord's glory.
17 Not even to his holy angels has the Lord given power to describe all his mighty deeds, even though he has given them power to stand unharmed in his glorious presence.
18 He sees into the oceans and into the human heart, and he knows the secrets of both. The Most High knows everything that can be known and understands the signs of the ages.
19 He knows all that has ever been and all that ever will be; he uncovers the deepest of mysteries.
20 He takes notice of our every thought and hears our every word.
21 The orderly world shows the greatness of his wisdom; he is the same forever and ever. Nothing can be added to him, and nothing taken away; he needs no one to give him advice.
22 All his works are beautiful, down to the smallest and faintest spark of light.

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. [Hebrew] Don't let . . . women; [Greek unclear.]
  • [b]. [Hebrew] even though . . . presence; [Greek] which the Lord Almighty established so that everything may stand firm in his glory.
  • [c]. [Hebrew] he is . . . ever; [Greek] he is before eternity and is eternal.
  • [d]. [Hebrew] down to . . . spark of light; [Greek unclear.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.