Sir 17 | EngLXX | STEP | The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again.

‏ Sirach 17

1 The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again. 2 He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein. 3 He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to his image, 4 And put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls. 5 They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted themunderstanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof. 6 Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand. 7 Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and showed them good and evil. 8 He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might show them the greatness of his works. 9 He gave them to glory in his marvelous acts for ever, that they might declare his workswith understanding. 10 And the elect shall praise his holy name. 11 Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage. 12 He made an everlasting covenant with them, and showed them his judgments. 13 Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice. 14 And he said to them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandmentconcerning his neighbor. 15 Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes. 16 Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they make to themselves fleshyhearts for stony. 17 For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people;but Israel is the Lord's portion: 18 Whom, being his firstborn, he nourishes with discipline, and giving him the light ofhis love does not forsake him. 19 Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upontheir ways. 20 None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord 21 But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them,but spared them. 22 The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man asthe apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters. 23 Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompence upon their heads. 24 But to them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience. 25 Return to the Lord, and forsake your sins, make your prayer before his face, and offendless. 26 Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead you out ofdarkness into the light of health, and hate you abomination vehemently. 27 Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks? 28 Thanksgiving perishes from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound inheart shall praise the Lord. 29 How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion to such as turnto him in holiness! 30 For all things can’t be in men, because the son of man is not immortal. 31 What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof fails; and flesh and blood willimagine evil. 32 He views the power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earth and ashes.