Ben Sira 16:21-28

21 Like a tempest that no one can see, so most of his works are concealed.

22 Who is to announce his acts of justice? Or who can await them? For his decree is far off."

23 Such are the thoughts of one devoid of understanding; a senseless and misguided person thinks foolishly.

24 Listen to me, my child, and acquire knowledge, and pay close attention to my words.

25 I will impart discipline precisely and declare knowledge accurately.

26 When the Lord created his works from the beginning, and, in making them, determined their boundaries,

27 he arranged his works in an eternal order, and their dominion for all generations. They neither hunger nor grow weary, and they do not abandon their tasks.

28 They do not crowd one another, and they never disobey his word.

Footnotes

• [a]. Meaning of Gk uncertain: Heb Syr [If I sin, no eye can see me, and if I am disloyal all in secret, who is to know?]
• [b]. Heb [the decree]: Gk [the covenant]
• [c]. Other ancient authorities add [and a scrutiny for all comes at the end]
• [d]. Gk [by weight]
• [e]. Heb: Gk [judged]
• [f]. Or [elements]