Sirach 2 - Good News Translation (GNT)

Faithfulness to God

2 My child, if you are going to serve the Lord, be prepared for times when you will be put to the test. 2 Be sincere and determined. Keep calm when trouble comes. 3 Stay with the Lord; never abandon him, and you will be prosperous at the end of your days. 4 Accept whatever happens to you. Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient. 5 (A)Gold is tested by fire, and human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation. 6 Trust the Lord, and he will help you. Walk straight in his ways, and put your hope in him.

7 All you that fear the Lord, wait for him to show you his mercy. Do not turn away from him, or you will fall. 8 All you that fear the Lord, trust him, and you will certainly be rewarded. 9 All you that fear the Lord, look forward to his blessings of mercy and eternal happiness.

10 Think back to the ancient generations and consider this: has the Lord ever disappointed anyone who put his hope in him? Has the Lord ever abandoned anyone who held him in constant reverence? Has the Lord ever ignored anyone who prayed to him? 11 The Lord is kind and merciful; he forgives our sins and keeps us safe in time of trouble. 12 But those who lose their nerve are doomed—all those sinners who try to have it both ways! 13 Doom is sure to come for those who lose their courage; they have no faith, and so they will have no protection. 14 Doom is sure to come for those who lose their hope. What will they do when the Lord comes to judge them?

15 (B)Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his commands; those who love him will live as he wants them to live. 16 Those who fear and love the Lord will try to please him and devote themselves to the Law. 17 Those who fear the Lord are always ready to serve him. They humble themselves before him, and say,

18 We place our destiny in the hands of the Lord, not in human hands, because his mercy is as great as his majesty.

Cross references

  1. Sirach 2:5 : Wis 3:5; Wis 3:6; 1Pet 1:7
  2. Sirach 2:15 : Wis 6:18; John 14:15; John 14:21; John 14:23

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Duties toward God2 My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.[a]2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.3 Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.4 Accept whatever is brought upon y...
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Duties toward God2 My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.[a]2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.3 Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.4 Accept whatever is brought upon y...
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Sirach 2 - New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Duties toward God2 My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.[a]2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity.3 Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous.4 Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of...
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Sirach 2 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

Duties towards God2 My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.[a]2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity.3 Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous.4 Accept whatever befalls you, and in times o...
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Sirach 2 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Duties toward God2 My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.[a](A)2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity.3 Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous.4 Accept whatever befalls you, and in times...
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Sirach 2 - Good News Translation (GNT)

Faithfulness to God2 My child, if you are going to serve the Lord, be prepared for times when you will be put to the test. 2 Be sincere and determined. Keep calm when trouble comes. 3 Stay with the Lord; never abandon him, and you will be prosperous at the end of your days. 4 Accept whatever happens...
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2 Son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation. 2 Humble thy heart, and endure: incline thy ear, and receive the words of understanding: and make not haste in the time of clouds. 3 Wait on God with patience: join thyself to God, and e...
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Sirach 2 - Common English Bible (CEB)

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