New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 38:11-20 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

11. Offer your sweet-smelling oblation and memorial,a generous offering according to your means.

12. Then give the doctor his placelest he leave; you need him too,

13. For there are times when recovery is in his hands.

14. He too prays to GodThat his diagnosis may be correctand his treatment bring about a cure.

15. Whoever is a sinner before his Makerwill be defiant toward the doctor.

16. My son, shed tears for one who is deadwith wailing and bitter lament;As is only proper, prepare the body,and do not absent yourself from the burial.

17. Weeping bitterly, mourning fully,pay your tribute of sorrow, as deserved:A day or two, to prevent gossip;then compose yourself after your grief.

18. For grief can bring on death,and heartache can sap one’s strength.

19. When a person is carried away, sorrow is over;and the life of the poor one is grievous to the heart.

20. Do not turn your thoughts to him again;cease to recall him; think rather of the end.