The Word Am I

The Book of Jesus Sirach

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- Chapter 44 -

The praises of the holy fathers, in particular of Enoch, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1
Let us praise the men of glory, and our ancestors in their generation.
2
The Lord has wrought great glory, by his own magnificence, from ancient times.
3
There are those who rule with their authority, men of great virtue, who are gifted with prudence. There are those who announce among the prophets, with the dignity of prophets.
4
And there are those who rule over the present generation, by the virtue of prudence, with very holy words for the people.
5
There are those who, by their skill, compose musical themes, so as to set the verses of Scripture to music.
6
There are men rich in virtue, who make a study of beauty, who live in peacefulness in their houses.
7
All these obtained glory in their generations, and they had praise in their days.
8
They left behind a name for those who were born of them, so that their praises might be described.
9
But for some of them, there is no memorial. They have passed away as if they had never existed; and they have become as if they had never been born, and their sons along with them.
10
But these were men of mercy, whose pious deeds have not failed.
11
Good things continue with their offspring.
12
Their descendants are a holy inheritance, and their offspring stand firm in the covenants.
13
And because of them, their sons remain even unto eternity. Their offspring and their glory will not be forsaken.
14
Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives on, from generation to generation.
15
Let the people declare their wisdom, and let the Church announce their praise.
16
Enoch pleased God, and he was transferred to Paradise, so that he might offer repentance to the nations.
17
Noah was found to be perfect and just, and so, in the time of wrath, he was made a reconciliation.
18
As a result, there was a remnant left for the earth, when the great flood was made.
19
The covenants of the world were placed with him, so that all flesh would not be wiped away by the great flood.
20
Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and no one was found to be like him in glory. He observed the law of the Most High, and he formed a covenant with him.
21
In his flesh, he caused the covenant to stand, and when tested, he was found to be faithful.
22
Therefore, by an oath, he gave glory to him among his people, so as to increase him like the dust of the earth,
23
and to exalt his offspring like the stars, and to give an inheritance to them from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
24
And he acted in like manner toward Isaac, because of his father Abraham.
25
The Lord gave the blessing of all the nations to him, and he confirmed his covenant upon the head of Jacob.
26
He acknowledged him in his blessings, and he gave an inheritance to him, and he distributed to him the portion of the twelve tribes.
27
And he preserved for him men of mercy, who were found to have grace before the eyes of all flesh.

The praises of the holy fathers, in particular of Enoch, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1
Let us now praise famous men, our ancestors in their generations.
2
The Lord created great glory in them— his mighty power from the beginning.
3
Some ruled in their kingdoms and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding. Some have spoken in prophecies,
4
leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their understanding, giving instruction for the people. Their words in their instruction were wise.
5
Some composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing,
6
rich men endowed with ability, living peaceably in their homes.
7
All these were honored in their generations, and were outstanding in their days.
8
Some of them have left a name behind them, so that others declare their praises.
9
But of others, there is no memory. They perished as though they had not been. They become as though they had not been born, they and their children after them.
10
But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
11
A good inheritance remains with their offspring. Their children are within the covenant.
12
Their offspring stand fast, with their children, for their sakes.
13
Their offspring will remain forever. Their glory won’t be blotted out.
14
Their bodies were buried in peace. Their name lives to all generations.
15
People will declare their wisdom. The congregation proclaims their praise.
16
Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up, an example of repentance to all generations.
17
Noah was found perfect and righteous. In the season of wrath, he kept the race alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth when the flood came.
18
Everlasting covenants were made with him, that all flesh should no more be blotted out by a flood.
19
Abraham was a great father of a multitude of nations. There was none found like him in glory,
20
who kept the law of the Most High, and was taken into covenant with him. In his flesh he established the covenant. When he was tested, he was found faithful.
21
Therefore he assured him by an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring, that he would multiply him like the dust of the earth, exalt his offspring like the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the utmost parts of the earth.
22
In Isaac also, he established the same assurance for Abraham his father’s sake, the blessing of all men, and the covenant.
23
He made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessings, gave to him by inheritance, and divided his portions. He distributed them among twelve tribes.
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