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Sirach 41

41
Thoughts about Dying
1Death is a bitter thought
for those who are prosperous
and without a worry.
They have everything
and are healthy enough
to enjoy good food.
2But others would rather die
because they are poor and sick,
old and worn out.
They are grumpy and impatient,
always finding something
to worry about.
3When it's your time to die,
don't be afraid—
you are merely following those
who have gone on before.
And everyone else
will soon follow you,
4because the Lord has commanded
that life ends with death,
and we all must obey.
No one in the world of the dead
will ask how long you lived,
whether it was ten, a hundred,
or a thousand years.
5The children of sinners
are disgusting,
because they are raised
in godless homes.
6They will lose everything
they inherited,
and their own children
will live in disgrace.
7If parents reject God,
their children are disgraced
and blame them.
8The godless are in for trouble,
because they refuse to obey
the Law of God Most High.
9They will groan as disaster
strikes their children,#41.9 They will groan … children: Hebrew text; the Greek text does not have these words.
and at the death of the godless,
God's people will celebrate#41.9 and at … celebrate: Hebrew text; the Greek text has “If they are born, they will be born for a curse.”
and will curse them.
10All living creatures
will return to the soil
from which they were made,
but sinners are under a curse
and will be destroyed.
11When someone dies,
we usually mourn,
but everyone tries to forget
those who were evil.
12So be careful! Your reputation
won't die with you—
it will outlast the gold
in a thousand treasure chests.
13Every one of us must die,
but our reputations won't.
When To Be Ashamed
14Students, you have learned well.
So don't worry; just do
what you have been taught.
Your wisdom is a treasure—
bring it out and use it,
don't bury it!
15Fools who hide their stupidity
will be better off than you,
if you hide your wisdom.
16Certain deeds are shameful,
although not everyone agrees
what these are.
So listen carefully,
and I will tell you.
17You should be ashamed
if you are immoral
and your parents find out;
if a leader discovers
that you have lied;
18if you commit a crime
and everyone in town
comes to watch your trial;
if you cheat your friends
19or steal from neighbors;
if you break promises
that you made in God's name;
if you have bad manners
when eating dinner,
or when giving a gift
or receiving one;
20if you don't reply
when someone greets you;
if you men look at a prostitute
* 21or if you desire the wife
of another man
or if you try to have sex
with one of his slave girls;
if you refuse to help a relative
or if you take what was given
to someone else;
22if you insult your friends,
even though you have given
a gift to them;

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Sirach 41: CEVDCI

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