39 But it is different with the person who devotes himself to studying the Law of the Most High. He examines the wisdom of all the ancient writers and concerns himself with the prophecies. 2 He memorizes the sayings of famous men and is a skilled interpreter of parables. 3 He studies the hidden meaning of proverbs and is able to discuss the obscure points of parables. 4 Great people call on him for his services, and he is seen in the company of rulers. He travels to foreign lands in his efforts to learn about human good and evil. 5 It is his practice to get up early and pray aloud to the Lord his Creator, asking the Most High to forgive his sins. 6 Then, if the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with understanding. He will pour out a stream of wise sayings, and give thanks to the Lord in prayer. 7 He will have knowledge to share and good advice to give, as well as insight into the Lord's secrets. 8 He will demonstrate his learning in what he teaches,[a] and his pride will be in the Lord's Law and covenant. 9 He will be widely praised for his wisdom, and it will never be lost, because people for generations to come will remember him. 10 The Gentiles will talk about his wisdom, and he will be praised aloud in the assembly. 11 If he lives to old age, he will die famous, but if he is laid to rest before he is famous, he will be content.[b]
A Hymn in Praise of God
12 Like the moon, I am full—full of more ideas to be discussed. 13 Listen to me, you devout children of mine, and blossom like a rosebush on a stream bank. 14 Bloom like a sweet-smelling lily, and send your fragrance into the air like incense. Sing the Lord's praises, and thank him for all that he has done. 15 Proclaim his glory in grateful praise! To the music of the harp, sing this song:
16 All that the Lord has done is very good;
all that he commands is sooner or later done.
17 No one should ask why things are as they are;
these questions will be answered at the right time.
He commanded, and the water piled up high,
great walls of water arose when he spoke.
18 Whatever he commands is promptly done;
there are no limits to his power to save.
19 He sees all that every human being does;
there is no way to hide from his sight.
20 He sees the whole of time, from beginning to end,
and nothing takes him by surprise.[c]
21 No one should ask why things are as they are;
everything in creation has its purpose.
22 His blessings overflow like the Nile,
enriching the world in a fertile flood.[d]
23 He turns fresh water into salt water,
and he turns his anger on the nations.
24 For the devout, his ways are straight;
for the wicked, they are laid with traps.
25 From the beginning he has made good things for the good
and terrible things for sinners.
26 The basic needs of life are these:
water, fire, iron, and salt,
flour, honey, and milk,
wine, clothing, and oil.
27 All these things are good for those who are devout,
but they turn into evils for sinners.
28 There are winds that were created to bring punishment,
fierce enough to move mountains.[e]
In times of judgment, they unleash their strength
and calm the anger of their maker.
29-30 Vicious animals, scorpions, and snakes;
the sword that destroys the wicked;
fire, hail, famine, and disease;
these have all been created as punishments.
31 They are all glad to obey the Lord's command
and are ready to serve him here on earth.
When their times of duty come,
they never disobey.
(32 I was long convinced of this, so after thinking it over I put[f] it in writing.)
33 Everything made by the Lord is good;
he meets every need at the proper time.
34 No one can claim that some things are worse than others,
for everything is good in its proper place.
35 Now then, sing praises with all your heart,
and praise the name of the Lord!
Footnotes
- Sirach 39:8 his learning...teaches; or the wisdom of what he has been taught.
- Sirach 39:11 if he is...content; Greek unclear.
- Sirach 39:20 takes him by surprise; or is too marvelous for him.
- Sirach 39:22 Hebrew overflow...flood; Greek cover the dry land like a river and drench it like a flood.
- Sirach 39:28 Hebrew move mountains; Greek lash heavily.
- Sirach 39:32 put; or left.