Ben Sira 16:11-14
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
11 Had there been but one stiff-necked[a] person,
it would be a wonder had he gone unpunished.
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
he remits and forgives, but also pours out wrath.
12 Great as his mercy is his punishment;
he judges people, each according to their deeds.
13 Criminals do not escape with their plunder;
the hope of the righteous, God never leaves unfulfilled.
14 Whoever does good has a reward;
each receives according to their deeds.[b]
Footnotes
- 16:11 Stiff-necked: sinful Israelites; cf. Ex 32:9; 33:3, 5. Not even one Israelite would have gone unpunished for insolence or pride.
- 16:14
Other ancient texts read as vv. 15–16:
15The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that he did not recognize him
whose acts were manifest under the heavens;
16His mercy was seen by all his creatures,
and his light and his darkness he apportioned to humankind.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.