Sirach 30:14-25
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 Better off poor, healthy, and fit
than rich and afflicted in body.(A)
15 Health and fitness are better than any gold
and a robust body[a] than countless riches.
16 There is no wealth better than health of body
and no gladness above joy of heart.
17 Death is better than a life of misery
and eternal sleep[b] than chronic sickness.(B)
Concerning Foods[c]
18 Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed
are like offerings of food placed upon a grave.(C)
19 Of what use to an idol is a sacrifice?
For it can neither eat nor smell.
So is the one punished by the Lord;(D)
20 he sees with his eyes and groans
as a eunuch groans when embracing a young woman.[d](E)
21 Do not give yourself over to sorrow,
and do not distress yourself deliberately.(F)
22 A joyful heart is life itself,
and rejoicing lengthens one’s life span.(G)
23 Indulge yourself[e] and take comfort,
and remove sorrow far from you,
for sorrow has destroyed many,
and no advantage ever comes from it.(H)
24 Jealousy and anger shorten life,
and anxiety brings on premature old age.(I)
25 Those who are cheerful and merry at table
will benefit from their food.(J)
Footnotes
- 30.15 Gk: Syr Heb read spirit
- 30.17 Other ancient authorities lack eternal sleep
- 30.18 This heading is included in the Gk text; other ancient authorities place the heading before 30.16
- 30.20 Other ancient authorities add So is the person who does right under compulsion
- 30.23 Other ancient authorities read Beguile yourself
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.