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Wisdom of Ben Sira 16:22-24
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 16:22-24
New Catholic Bible
22 Who will report about his acts of justice?
Or who can wait for them, since the covenant[a] is far in the future
[and a scrutiny for all comes at the end]?”[b]
23 Such are the thoughts of the one who lacks understanding,
senseless and misguided in his foolish reasoning.
God the Creator and Lawgiver[c]
24 Listen to me, my child, and acquire knowledge;
pay close attention to what I have to say.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 16:22 Covenant: Hebrew reads: “decree.”
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 16:22 Added by some early MSS.
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 16:24 In his demonstration, the author introduces a hymn to God the Creator that is also a chant for human beings. Sacred history is linked with the work of creation: God has revealed his law to his chosen people and concluded a covenant with his own. The song of praise concludes with a moral lesson; the past shows that all human beings, especially those who belong to the chosen people, will answer to God for their actions. But the Lord is a judge who is ever ready to pardon those who implore him and to reward those who uphold their brothers and sisters (Sir 17:22).
