Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 41:1-16 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1. O death, how bitter is the memory of you: to a man who has peace in his substance,

2. to a quiet man, and to him whose ways are directed properly in all things, and who still has the strength to take nourishment.

3. O death, your judgment is good to the indigent man, and to him whose strength has diminished,

4. who is failing due to old age, and who is anxious about all things, and to the unbelieving man who has lost patience.

5. Do not choose to dread the judgment of death. Remember the things that occurred before you, and the things that will occur after you. This judgment is from the Lord upon all flesh.

6. And what will happen to you is well-pleasing to the Most High, whether in ten, or one hundred, or one thousand years.

7. For death is no indictment of life.

8. The sons of sinners, and those who pass their time in the manner of the houses of the impious, become sons of abominations.

9. The inheritance of the sons of sinners will perish, and continual disgrace will be with their offspring.

10. The sons of an impious father will complain, for they are in disgrace because of him.

11. Woe to you, impious men, who have abandoned the law of the Most High Lord!

12. And when you are born, you will be born into a curse; and when you die, your portion will be in a curse.

13. All things that are from the earth shall return to the earth. Similarly, the impious will proceed from a curse unto perdition.

14. The grieving of men is in their body, but the name of the impious will be wiped away.

15. Have concern for your good name. For this will continue with you, more so than a thousand precious and great treasures.

16. A good life has its number of days, but a good name will continue forever.

Read complete chapter Sirach 41