Ben Sira 38:5-15

5 Didn't a tree once make bitter water fit to drink, so that the Lord's power might be known? 1
6 He gave medical knowledge to human beings, so that we would praise him for the miracles he performs.
7 The druggist mixes these medicines, and the doctor will use them to cure diseases and ease pain. There is no end to the activities of the Lord, who gives health to the people of the world.
9 My child, when you get sick, don't ignore it. Pray to the Lord, and he will make you well.
10 Confess all your sins and determine that in the future you will live a righteous life.
11 Offer incense and a grain offering, as fine as you can afford.
12 Then call the doctor - for the Lord created him - and keep him at your side; you need him.
13 There are times when you have to depend on his skill.
14 The doctor's prayer is that the Lord will make him able to ease his patients' pain and make them well again.
15 As for the person who sins against his Creator, he deserves to be sick.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 38.5Exodus 15.23-25.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. the Lord's power; [or] its healing properties.
  • [b]. [Hebrew] as fine as you can afford; [Greek unclear.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.