Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 40:16-27 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

16. The weeds, which grow above every water and beside the banks of the river, will be uprooted before all the grass.

17. Grace is like a paradise of blessings, and mercy continues for eternity.

18. The life of a worker, when content with what is sufficient, will become sweet, and in it you will find a treasure.

19. Sons, and the building of a city, will establish a name, but an immaculate wife will be ranked above these things.

20. Wine and music rejoice the heart, but the love of wisdom is above them both.

21. The flute and the psaltery make a sweet melody, but a pleasant word is above them both.

22. Your eye desires elegance and beauty, but verdant fields are above these things.

23. A friend and a companion meet one another in time, but above them both is a wife with her husband.

24. Brothers are a help in time of tribulation, but mercy will liberate, more so than they will.

25. Gold and silver provide a firm position for the feet, but well-spoken counsel is above them both.

26. Ability and strength lift up the heart, but the fear of the Lord is above these things.

27. There is no loss in the fear of the Lord, and it has no need to ask for assistance.