Common English Bible

Sirach 17:22-32 Common English Bible (CEB)

22. A person’s acts of charityare like a seal with him,and he will treasure a person’s generosity like the apple of his eye.

23. Afterward God will rise upand repay them;he will deliver their repaymentupon their heads.

24. However, for those who changed their hearts and minds, God granted a way back, and he encouraged thosewho were abandoning hope.

25. Turn back to the Lordand leave sin behind;offer prayers in his presence,and reduce your offense.

26. Return to the Most High,and turn from injustice,and hate what he detests.

27. Who will praise the Most Highin the graveinstead of the livingand those who give thanks?

28. From the dead thanksgiving has perished, since they are no longer alive;those who are alive and healthywill praise the Lord.

29. How great is the Lord’s mercy!How quickly is he reconciledwith those who turn back to him!

30. Human beings can’t do all things,because no person is immortal.

31. What shines brighter than the sun?Even that fails.Flesh and blood will hanker after evil.

32. The Lord examines the mightof heaven’s height,and all human beings are dust and ashes.