Sirach 17:24-29

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²⁴ Yet to those who repent he grants a return,
    and he encourages those who are losing hope.

²⁵ Turn back to the Lord and forsake your sins;
    pray in his presence and lessen your offense.
²⁶ Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity,^[a]
    and hate intensely what he abhors.
²⁷ Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades
    in place of the living who give thanks?
²⁸ From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased;
    those who are alive and well sing the Lord’s praises.
²⁹ How great is the mercy of the Lord,
    and his forgiveness for those who return to him!