Common English Bible

Sirach 38:11-20 Common English Bible (CEB)

11. Offer a sweet-smelling sacrificeand a memorial of fine flour,and pour an offering of oil,using what you can afford.

12. And give doctors a place,because the Lord created them also,and don’t let them leave you,because you indeed need them.

13. There’s a time when successis in their hands as well.

14. They will also ask the Lordso that he might grant them restand healing in order to preserve life.

15. May those who sin against their creatorfall into the hands of a doctor.

16. My child, let your tears flow for the dead;as one who is suffering terribly,give voice to your sorrow.Lay out their bodies in accordancewith their wishes,and don’t neglect their burial.

17. Let your crying be bitterand express your sorrow fervently,and make your mourningworthy of them.Mourn for one day or twoso that there can be no criticism,and then be comforted from your grief.

18. Too much grief can lead to death,and grief in one’s heartwill sap one’s strength.

19. Grief also lingers in misery,and the life of the pooris a curse upon the heart.

20. Don’t give your heart over to grief;stay away from it,remembering your own end.