Sirach 38:16-18

Good News Translation

Mourning for the Dead

^16 (A)My child, when someone dies, you should mourn. Weep and wail to show how deeply you feel the loss. Prepare the body in the proper way, and be present at the burial. ¹⁷ Weep bitterly and passionately; observe the proper period of mourning for the person. Mourn for a whole day or maybe two, to keep people from talking, but then pull yourself together and reconcile yourself to the loss. ¹⁸ Grief can undermine your health and even lead to your own death.