Ben Sira 30:17

17 It would be better to be dead, asleep forever, than to live in the misery of chronic illness.

Ben Sira 30:17 In-Context

15 A sound, healthy body and a cheerful attitude are more valuable than gold and jewels.

16 Nothing can make you richer or give you greater happiness than those two things.

17 It would be better to be dead, asleep forever, than to live in the misery of chronic illness.

18 The finest food means nothing if you are too sick to eat it; it might as well be offered to an idol.

19 But there is no point in offering food to an idol; it can't eat it or smell it. It is just the same with someone whom the Lord has afflicted.