Ben Sira 17:28

28 A person who is alive and well can sing the Lord's praises, but the dead, who no longer exist, have no way to give him thanks.

Ben Sira 17:28 In-Context

26 Return to the Most High and turn away from sin. Have an intense hatred for wickedness.

27 Those who are alive can give thanks to the Lord, but can anyone in the world of the dead sing praise to the Most High?

28 A person who is alive and well can sing the Lord's praises, but the dead, who no longer exist, have no way to give him thanks.

29 How great is the Lord's merciful forgiveness of those who turn to him!

30 But this is not the nature of human beings; not one of us is immortal.