World English Bible

Sirach 40:9-21 World English Bible (WEB)

9. Death, and bloodshed, and strife, and sword, Calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;

10. All these things were created for the wicked, And because of them came the flood.

11. All things that are of the earth turn to the earth again: And all things that are of the waters return into the sea.

12. All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out; And good faith shall stand for ever.

13. The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, And like a great thunder in rain shall go off in noise.

14. In opening his hands a man shall be made glad: So shall transgressors utterly fail.

15. The children of the ungodly shall not put forth many branches; And are as unclean roots upon a sheer rock.

16. The sedge that grows upon every water and bank of a river Shall be plucked up before all grass.

17. Bounty is as a garden of blessings, And almsgiving endures for ever.

18. The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet; And he that finds a treasure is above both.

19. Children and the building of a city establish a man’s name; And a blameless wife is counted above both.

20. Wine and music rejoice the heart; And the love of wisdom is above both.

21. The pipe and the lute make pleasant melody; And a pleasant tongue is above both.