Sirach 40:1-4

Good News Translation

The Misery of Human Life

40 Every person has been given a great deal of work to do. A heavy burden lies on all of us from the day of our birth until the day we go back to the earth, the mother of us all. ² We are confused and fearful, dreading the day of our death— ^3-4 all of us from the king on his splendid throne wearing royal robes and a crown, to the humblest person dressed in burlap and living in poverty.