New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 38:30-34 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

30. With his hands he molds the clay,and with his feet softens it.His determination is to complete the glazing,and he is careful to fire the kiln.

31. All these are skilled with their hands,each one an expert at his own work;

32. Without them no city could be lived in,and wherever they stay, they do not go hungry.But they are not sought out for the council of the people,

33. nor are they prominent in the assembly.They do not sit on the judge’s bench,nor can they understand law and justice.They cannot expound discipline or judgment,nor are they found among the rulers.

34. Yet they maintain the fabric of the world,and their concern is for exercise of their skill.