Ben Sira 17:19-27

19 The Lord is always watching what people do; everything they do is as clear as day to him.

20 None of their sins are hidden from him; he is aware of them all.

22 When we give to the poor, the Lord considers it as precious as a valuable ring. Human kindness is as precious to him as life itself.

23 Later he will judge the wicked and punish them; they will get what they deserve.

24 But the Lord will allow those who repent to return to him. He always gives encouragement to those who are losing hope.

25 Come to the Lord, and leave your sin behind. Pray sincerely that he will help you live a better life. ¹

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? ²

Cross References

• 1. 17.25, 26Jeremiah 3.12.
• 2. 17.27, 28Psalms 6.5;Isaiah 38.18;Baruch 2.17, 18.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Some manuscripts add verse 21:] But the Lord is gracious and knows his creatures; so he has spared them rather than abandon them.