Sirach 26

1 Say not: I shall be hidden from God, and who shall remember me from on high? 2 In such a multitude I shall not be known: for what is my soul in such an immense creation? 3 Behold the heaven, and the heavens of heavens, the deep, and all the earth, and the things that are in them, shall be moved in his sight, 4 The mountains also, and the hills, and the foundations of the earth: when God shall look upon them, they shall be shaken with trembling. 5 And in all these things the heart is senseless: and every heart is understood by him. 6 And his ways who shall understand, and the storm, which no eye of man shall see? 7 For many of his works are hidden, but the works of his justice who shall declare? or who shall endure? for the testament is far from some, and the examination of all is in the end. 8 He that wanteth understanding thinketh vain things, and the foolish, and erring man, thinketh foolish things. 9 Hearken to me, my son, and learn the discipline of understanding, and attend to my words in thy heart. 10 And I will shew forth good doctrine in equity, and will seek to declare wisdom: and attend to my words in thy heart, whilst with equity of spirit I tell thee the virtues that God hath put upon his works from the beginning, and I shew forth in truth his knowledge. 11 The works of God are done in judgment from the beginning, and from the making of them he distinguished their parts, and their beginnings in their generations. 12 He beautified their works for ever, they have neither hungered, nor laboured, and they have not ceased from their works. 13 Nor shall any of them straiten his neighbour at any time. 14 Be not thou incredulous to his word. 15 After this God looked upon the earth, and filled it with his goods. 16 The soul of every living thing hath shewn forth before the face thereof, and into it they return again. 18 God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image. 19 And he turned him into it again, and clothed him with strength according to himself. 20 He gave him the number of his days and time, and gave him power over all things that are upon the earth. 21 He put the fear of him upon all flesh, and he had dominion over beasts and fowls. 22 He created of him a helpmate like to himself, he gave them counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, and ears, and a heart to devise: and he filled them with the knowledge of understanding. 23 He created in them the science of the spirit, he fired their heart with wisdom, and shewed them both good and evil. 24 He set his eye upon their hearts to shew them the greatness of his works: 25 That they might praise the name which he hath sanctified: and glory in his wondrous act that they might declare the glorious things of his works. 26 Moreover he gave them instructions, and the law of life for an inheritance. 27 He made an everlasting covenant with them, and he shewed them his justice and judgments. 28 And their eye saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice, and he said to them: Beware of all iniquity. 29 And he gave to every one of them commandment concerning his neighbour.