Ben Sira 10:9

9 We are only dust and ashes; what have we got to be proud of? Our body decays even while we are alive.

Ben Sira 10:9 In-Context

7 Arrogance and injustice are hated by both the Lord and people.

8 Injustice, arrogance, and wealth cause nations to fall from power, and others then rise to take their place.

9 We are only dust and ashes; what have we got to be proud of? Our body decays even while we are alive.

10 A long illness puzzles the doctor. Even a king may be alive today and dead tomorrow.

11 When a person dies, all he then possesses is worms, flies, and maggots.

Footnotes

• [a] Our body . . . alive; [this sentence in both Greek and Hebrew is unclear.]