Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 39:29-38 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

29. In the same way that he turned the waters into dry land, and made the earth dry, and just as his ways have been directed for their journey, so also will sinners stumble before his wrath.

30. From the beginning, good things were created for those who are good, and similarly, good and evil things are for those who are wicked.

31. The principal things necessary for the life of men are: water, fire, and iron, salt, milk, and flour for bread, and honey, and the grape cluster, and oil, and clothing.

32. All these things will be used for good by those who are holy, but they will be turned to evil use by the impious and by sinners.

33. There are spirits that have been created for vengeance, and they strengthen their torments by their fury.

34. In the time of the consummation, they will pour forth their strength. And they will appease the fury of the One who made them.

35. Fire, hail, famine, and death: all these were created for vengeance.

36. The teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, and serpents, and the spear: all these take vengeance upon the impious, unto utter destruction.

37. At his command, they will feast. And they will be prepared upon the earth until they are needed. And in their time, they will not ignore his word.

38. For this reason, from the beginning, I was strengthened, and I have meditated, and I have considered, and I have put these things in writing.