Common English Bible

Sirach 14:16-24 Common English Bible (CEB)

16. Give, take, and distract yourself,because you can’t search for luxuryin the grave.

17. All flesh grows old like a garment;the ancient decree is,"You will certainly die!"

18. Like a budding leaf on a leafy tree,it sheds some and it puts forth others;so is a generation of flesh and blood;one dies, and another is born.

19. All deeds decay and cease,and those who do themwill pass away with them.

20. Happy are those who meditateon Wisdomand who reason intelligently.

21. Those who consider her waysin their heartswill also reflect on her secrets.

22. Pursue her like a hunter,and lie in wait by her paths.

23. Those who peer into her windowswill also listen at her doorways.

24. Those who lodge near her housewill also fasten a tent peg in her walls.