Common English Bible

Sirach 40:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB)

1. Hard work was createdfor every person,and a heavy yoke lies uponhuman beings,from the day when they leavetheir mother’s wombuntil the day when they returnto the mother of all.

2. Anxious expectation—the day of death—fills their inner musingsand plants fear in their hearts.

3. From the person who sitsupon a glorious thronedown to the person brought lowin dust and ashes,

4. from the person who wears purpleand a crowndown to the person dressedin rough linen—

5. there exists anger, envy, confusion, unrest, fear of death,fury, and conflict.Even when they rest in bed,nighttime dreams disturb their mind.