1 O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
2 O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!
3 Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.
4 And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.
5 The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.
6 The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.
7 The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.
8 Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your destruction:
9 And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse shall be your portion.
10 All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.
11 The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.
12 Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.
13 A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.
14 My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?
15 A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.
16 Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.
17 Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man;
18 Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend;
19 And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and take;
20 And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;
21 And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.
22 Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast given, upbraid not;
23 Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets.
24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiasticus, 41:
Ecclesiastical 41 deals with human mortality and the need for preparation for death. The chapter warns of the inevitability of death and urges readers to consider their own mortality and to prepare for death after death. The verses selected below address topics such as the brevity of life, wisdom and prudence necessary to prepare for death, and the importance of seeking God's mercy.
Job 14:5: "Since your days are already marked, with you is the number of your months; you have given you boundaries and borders, and it will not pass them." This verse talks about the brevity of human life and how God has power over the duration of our lives.
Proverbs 22:3: "Prudent perceives danger and seeking refuge; the inexperienced follows and suffers the consequences." This verse talks about the importance of wisdom and prudence to prepare for death and avoid suffering.
Luke 12:20: "But God said unto you, Crazy! Tonight, your life will be required to you. So who will you have what you prepared?" This verse talks about the uncertainty of life and the importance of preparing for death before it is too late.
Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to tell our days, that we may reach wise heart." This verse talks about the importance of valuing the time we have on earth and preparing ourselves for life after death.
Ecclesiastes 7:1: "Better fame is better than the best ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth." This verse talks about the importance of preparing for death and having a good reputation, which will last beyond our earthly life.
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