Sirach 16:17-30
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
17 Do not say, “I am hidden from the Lord,
and who from on high has me in mind?
Among so many people I am unknown,
for what am I in a boundless creation?(A)
18 Look, heaven and the highest heaven,
the abyss and the earth tremble at his visitation![a](B)
19 Together the mountains and the foundations of the earth
shake and tremble when he looks upon them.(C)
20 But no human mind can grasp this,
and who can comprehend his ways?(D)
21 Like a tempest that no one can see,
so most of his works are concealed.[b](E)
22 Who is to announce his acts of justice?
Or who can await them? For his decree[c] is far off.”[d]
23 Such are the thoughts of one devoid of understanding;
a senseless and misguided person thinks foolishly.
God’s Wisdom Seen in Creation
24 Listen to me, my child, and acquire knowledge,
and pay close attention to my words.(F)
25 I will impart discipline precisely[e]
and declare knowledge accurately.(G)
26 When the Lord created[f] his works from the beginning
and, in making them, determined their boundaries,
27 he arranged their works in an eternal order
and their dominion[g] for all generations.
They neither hunger nor grow weary,
and they do not abandon their tasks.(H)
28 They do not crowd one another,
and they never disobey his word.
29 Then the Lord looked upon the earth
and filled it with his good things.(I)
30 With all kinds of living beings he covered its surface,
and into it they must return.(J)
Notas al pie
- 16.18 Other ancient authorities add The whole world past and present is in his will.
- 16.21 Meaning of Gk uncertain: Heb Syr If I sin, no eye can see me, and if I am disloyal all in secret, who is to know?
- 16.22 Heb: Gk the covenant
- 16.22 Other ancient authorities add and a scrutiny for all comes at the end
- 16.25 Gk by weight
- 16.26 Heb: Gk judged
- 16.27 Or elements
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.