Ben Sira 17:15-25

15 Their ways are always known to him; they will not be hid from his eyes.

17 He appointed a ruler for every nation, but Israel is the Lord's own portion.

19 All their works are as clear as the sun before him, and his eyes are ever upon their ways.

20 Their iniquities are not hidden from him, and all their sins are before the Lord.

22 One's almsgiving is like a signet ring with the Lord, and he will keep a person's kindness like the apple of his eye.

23 Afterward he will rise up and repay them, and he will bring their recompense on their heads.

24 Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those who are losing hope.

25 Turn back to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offense.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [+V16+WTheir ways from youth tend toward evil, and they are unable to make for themselves hearts of flesh in place of their stony hearts. +V17+WFor in the division of the nations of the whole earth, he appointed]
• [b]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 18, [whom, being his firstborn, he brings up with discipline, and allotting to him the light of his love, he does not neglect him.]
• [c]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 21, [But the Lord, who is gracious and knows how they are formed, has neither left them nor abandoned them, but has spared them.]
• [d]. Gk [him]
• [e]. Other ancient authorities add [apportioning repentance to his sons and daughters]