New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 23:20-27 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

20. The one who knows all things before they existstill knows them all after they are made.

21. Such a man will be denounced in the streets of the city;and where he least suspects it, he will be apprehended.

22. So it is with the woman unfaithful to her husband,who offers him an heir by another man.

23. First of all, she has disobeyed the law of the Most High;second, she has wronged her husband;Third, through her wanton adulteryshe has brought forth children by another man.

24. Such a woman will be dragged before the assembly,and her punishment will extend to her children.

25. Her children will not take root;her branches will not bring forth fruit.

26. She will leave behind an accursed memory;her disgrace will never be blotted out.

27. Thus all who dwell on the earth shall know,all who remain in the world shall understand,That nothing is better than the fear of the Lord,nothing sweeter than obeying the commandments of the Lord.