Ben Sira 16:17-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
17 Do not say: “I am hidden from God;
and on high who remembers me?
Among so many people I am unknown;
what am I in the world of spirits?
18 Look, the heavens and the highest heavens,
the abyss and the earth tremble at his visitation.
19 The roots of the mountains and the earth’s foundations—
at his mere glance they quiver and quake.
20 Of me, therefore, he will take no notice;
with my ways who will be concerned?
21 If I sin, no eye will see me;
if all in secret I act deceitfully, who is to know?(A)
22 Who tells him about just deeds?
What can I expect for doing my duty?”
23 Such the thoughts of the senseless;
only the foolish entertain them.
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