Sun, Moon, and Stars
Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 1. The exultation of the heavenly heights Is the firmament of purity, The form of heaven with the vision of glory. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 2. The sun, when it appears, making proclamation as it goes forth, Is a wonderful instrument, a work of the Most High. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 3. At noon it dries up the land, And who can endure its burning heat? Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 4. A man kindling a furnace works in burning heat, But the sun burns the mountains three times as much, Breathing out fiery steams, And sending forth shining beams, it dims the eyes. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 5. Great is the Lord who made it, And by His command it hastens its journey. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 6. He also made the moon to serve in its season As a declaration of times and an everlasting sign. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 7. From the moon comes the sign of a feast, A light that wanes as it completes its course. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 8. The month is named according to the moon, Being increased wondrously in its phases, A vessel encamped on high, Shining in the firmament of heaven. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 9. The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven, A world shining in the high places of the Lord. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 10. By the words of the Holy One they stand according to His judgment And do not grow weary in their watches.
The Majestic Creation
Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 11. Behold the rainbow and bless Him who made it, Exceedingly beautiful in its brightness. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 12. It circles heaven with its glorious arc, And the hands of the Most High laid out its course. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 13. By His command He makes the snow to fall, And speeds the lightning by His judgment. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 14. Therefore the storehouses are opened And the clouds fly forth like birds. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 15. By His majesty He condenses the clouds, And the hailstones break into pieces. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 16. At His appearing the mountains are shaken, And by His will the south wind blows. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 17. The voice of His thunder makes the earth tremble, And so do the hurricane from the north and the whirlwind as well. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 18. He sprinkles the snow like birds flying down, And its descent is like grasshoppers alighting. The eye marvels at the beauty of its whiteness, And the heart is astonished at its raining down. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 19. He pours the hoarfrost like salt upon the earth, And when it freezes, it becomes like pointed thorns. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 20. A cold north wind blows And ice freezes on the water, And forms on every pool of water, And clothes the water like armor. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 21. He consumes the mountains and burns up the desert, And withers the green herbage like fire. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 22. A mist quickly heals it all, And falling dew brings refreshment from the heat. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 23. By His reasoning He quieted the great deep And planted islands in it. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 24. Those who sail the sea recount its dangers, And we are amazed at the reports coming to our ears. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 25. For therein are the incredible and wondrous works, A diversity of many living things, And a created order of huge sea creatures. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 26. Because of Him His messenger has a prosperous journey, And by His word all things are held together.
How Do We Praise Him?
Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 27. We will say many things and not reach the end, But the sum of our words is seen in this: “He is the all.” Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 28. How shall we ever be able to adequately praise Him? For He is greater than all His works. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 29. Fearful is the Lord and exceedingly great, And wondrous is His power. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 30. Glorify the Lord and exalt Him as much as you are able, For He will surpass even that. And when you exalt Him, put forth all your strength; Do not grow weary, for you cannot exalt Him enough. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 31. Who has seen Him and will describe Him? And who can magnify Him as He truly is? Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 32. There are yet many hidden things greater than these, For we have seen but few of His works. Wisdom of Sirach 43, verse 33. For the Lord made all things And gives wisdom to the godly.