Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 42
Sirach 42:1 On the other hand, it is possible to sin by giving into other people too much. Here are some things you should not be ashamed of:
Sirach
42:2 the Law of the Most High and his covenant,
judging even godless people fairly,
Sirach
42:3 sharing expenses with a business partner or a traveling companion,
sharing an inheritance,
Sirach 42:4 using accurate weights and measures,
Sirach
42:5 making a profit, whether great or small,
bargaining with a merchant,
disciplining your children often,
beating a disloyal slave until the blood flows.
Sirach 42:6 It is wise to lock things up if you cannot trust your wife or if too many people are around.
Sirach 42:7 Keep an accurate record of any deposits you make or of anything you give or receive.
Sirach 42:8 Don't hesitate to correct someone who is acting foolishly or an old man who goes around with prostitutes. All of this is worthwhile advice, and if you follow it, everyone will approve of your behavior.
Sirach 42:9 Although he will not let his daughter know it, a father will lie awake at night worrying about her. If she is young, he worries that she might not get married. If she is already married, he worries about her happiness.
Sirach 42:10 If she is a virgin, he worries that she might be seduced and become pregnant while living in his house. If she is married, he worries that she might be unfaithful, or that she might not be able to have children.
Sirach 42:11 Keep a close watch over your daughter if she is determined to have her own way. If you don't she may make a fool of you in front of your enemies. You will be a constant joke to everyone in town, a public disgrace. Make sure that her room has no windows or any place where she can look out to the entrance of the house.
Sirach 42:12 Don't let her show off her beauty in front of men, or spend her time talking with women.
Sirach 42:13 Women hurt other women just as moths damage clothing.
Sirach 42:14 A man's wickedness is better than a woman's goodness; women bring shame and disgrace.
Sirach 42:15 Now I will
remind you of the works of the Lord
and describe the things I have seen.
The words of the Lord brought his works into being,
and the whole creation obeys his commands.
Sirach 42:16 The light
of the sun shines down on everything,
and everything is filled with the Lord's glory.
Sirach 42:17 Not even to
his holy angels has the Lord given power
to describe all his mighty deeds,
even though he has given them power
to stand unharmed in his glorious presence.
Sirach 42:18 He sees
into the oceans and into the human heart,
and he knows the secrets of both.
The Most High knows everything that can be known
and understands the signs of the ages.
Sirach 42:19 He knows
all that has ever been and all that ever will be;
he uncovers the deepest of mysteries.
Sirach 42:20 He takes
notice of our every thought
and hears our every word.
Sirach 42:21 The orderly
world shows the greatness of his wisdom;
he is the same forever and ever.
Nothing can be added to him, and nothing taken away;
he needs no one to give him advice.
Sirach 42:22 All his
works are beautiful,
down to the smallest and faintest spark of light.
Sirach 42:23 All these
things go on forever,
and all of them have their purpose.
Sirach 42:24 All things
are in pairs, each the opposite of the other,
but nothing the Lord made is incomplete.
Sirach 42:25 Everything
completes the goodness of something else.
Could anyone ever see enough of this splendor?