Ben Sira 33:16

16 As for me, I have been the last to come on duty, as if going through vineyards to gather whatever the grape-pickers had left behind. But the Lord blessed me, and I did well, like a grape-picker who has filled the wine press.

Ben Sira 33:16 In-Context

14 Good is the opposite of evil, life is the opposite of death, and sin is the opposite of devotion to the Lord.
15 Think about it: the Most High has made everything in pairs, each thing the opposite of something else.
16 As for me, I have been the last to come on duty, as if going through vineyards to gather whatever the grape-pickers had left behind. But the Lord blessed me, and I did well, like a grape-picker who has filled the wine press.
17 But I want you to know that I have not done all this work for myself alone, but for everyone who wants to learn.
18 Listen to me, all you great leaders! All you leaders of the assemblies, hear what I have to say!

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. did well; [or] overtook the others.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.