Open English Translation SIR Chapter 39

39 Not so he who’s applied his soul

and meditates in the Most High’s law.

He’ll seek out the wisdom of all the ancients

and will be occupied with prophecies.

2 He’ll keep the sayings of the men of renown

and will enter in amidst the subtleties of parables.

3 He’ll seek out the hidden meaning of proverbs

and be conversant in the dark sayings of parables.

4 He’ll serve among great men

and appear before him who rules.

He’ll travel through the land of foreign nations,

for he’s learnt what’s good and evil among men.

5 He’ll apply his heart to return early to the master who made him,

and will make supplication before the Most High,

and will open his mouth in prayer,

and will ask for pardon for his sins.

6 If the great master wills,

he’ll be filled with the spirit of understanding;

he’ll pour forth the words of his wisdom

and in prayer give thanks to the master.

7 He’ll direct his counsel and knowledge,

and he’ll meditate in his secrets.

8 He’ll show the instruction which he’s been taught

and will glory in the law of the master’s covenant.

9 Many will commend his understanding.

So long as the world endures, it won’t be blotted out.

His memory won’t depart.

His name will live throughout the generations.

10 Nations will declare his wisdom.

The congregation will proclaim his praise.

11 If he continues, he’ll leave a greater name than a thousand.

If he finally rests, it’s enough for him.

12 Yet more I’ll utter, which I’ve thought about.

I’m filled like the full moon.

13 Listen to me, you holy children,

and bud forth like a rose growing by a brook of water.

14 Give a sweet fragrance like frankincense.

Put forth flowers like a lily.

Scatter a sweet smell and sing a song of praise.

Bless the master for all his works!

15 Magnify his name

and give utterance to his praise

with the songs on your lips and with harps!

Say this when you utter his praise:

16 All the master’s works are extremely good,

and every command will be done in its time.

17 No one can say, “What’s this?” “Why is that?”

because they’ll all be discovered at the proper time.

At his word, the waters stood as a heap,

as did the reservoirs of water at the word of his mouth.

18 At his command all his good pleasure is fulfilled.

There’s no one who can hinder his salvation.

19 The works of all flesh are before him.

It’s impossible to be hidden from his eyes.

20 He sees from eternal to eternal.

There’s nothing too wonderful for him.

21 No one can say, “What’s this?” “Why is that?”

for all things are created for their own uses.

22 His blessing covered the dry land as a river

and saturated it as a flood.

23 As he’s made the waters salty,

so the heathen will inherit his anger.

24 His ways are plain to the holy.

They’re stumbling blocks to the wicked.

25 Good things are created from the beginning for the good.

So are evil things for sinners.

26 The main things necessary for the life of man

are water, fire, iron, salt,

wheat flour, and honey, milk,

the grape juice, oil, and clothing.

27 All these things are for good to the godly,

but for sinners, they’ll be turned into evils.

28 There are winds that are created for vengeance,

and in their fury they lay on their scourges heavily.

In the time of reckoning, they pour out their strength,

and will appease the anger of him who made them.

29 Fire, hail, famine, and death—

all these are created for vengeance—

30 wild animals’ teeth, scorpions, adders,

and a sword punishing the ungodly to destruction.

31 They’ll rejoice in his commandment,

and will be made ready on earth when needed.

In their seasons, they won’t disobey his command.

32 Therefore from the beginning I was convinced,

and I thought it through and left it in writing:

33 All the master’s works are good.

He’ll supply every need in its time.

34 No one can say, “This is worse than that,”

for they’ll all be well approved in their time.

35 Now with all your hearts and voices, sing praises

and bless the master’s name!