Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 23:19-27 Common English Bible (CEB)

19. They fear human eyes,but they are unawarethat the eyes of the Lordare ten thousand times brighterthan the sun;they observe all the waysof human beingsand look into hidden places.

20. Before all things were created,God knew them;so as well after they were finished.

21. These people will be punishedin the streets of the city,and when they least expect it,they will be seized.

22. So it is with a womanwhen she is unfaithful to her husbandand she presents him with an heirby another man.

23. First, she’s disobeyedthe Law of the Most High;second, she’s wronged her husband;third, she’s committed adulteryby her illicit sexual behaviorand produced childrenby another man.

24. She will be led into the assembly,and her punishmentwill be upon her children.

25. Her children won’t take root,and her branches won’t bear fruit.

26. She will leave behind a cursed memory,and her reproach won’t be wiped clean.

27. And those who remain will knowthat nothing is betterthan fearing the Lord,and nothing is sweeter than keeping the Lord’s commandments.

Read complete chapter Sirach 23