In Praise of Honored Men
Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 1. Let us now praise honored men and our fathers. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 2. The Lord established His great glory And majesty from the beginning through them. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 3. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms And were men renowned for their power, Giving counsel through their understanding And proclaiming prophecies. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 4. There were leaders of the people by their counsels And understanding of learning for the people, Wise in their words of instruction. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 5. There were composers of music, And they set forth verse in writing, Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 6. Wealthy men with great resources, Living in peace in their dwelling-places. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 7. All these were honored in their generations And in their days were a source of boasting. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 8. There were those who left behind a name That men might declare their praises. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 9. There were also those whom no one remembers, Who perished as if they never existed; And they died as if they had not been born, And so have their children after them. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 10. Nevertheless, these were men of mercy, Whose righteousness lives with God. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 11. The good they did remains with their seed, And their inheritance with their children's children. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 12. Their seed stands with the covenants, And their children as well for their sake. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 13. Their seed shall remain forever, And their glory will not be blotted out. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 14. Their bodies were buried in peace, And their name lives to all generations. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 15. Peoples will tell of their wisdom, And the assembly will proclaim their praise.
Enoch
Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 16. Enoch pleased the Lord and was translated As an example of repentance for all generations.
Noah
Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 17. Noah was found perfect And was righteous in the time of wrath, In which he was rescued in exchange. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth When the flood came. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 18. Everlasting covenants were made with him That all flesh would not be wiped away again by a flood.
Abraham and His Sons
Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 19. Abraham was a great father of many nations, And no one is found like him in glory. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 20. He kept the law of the Most High, Who made a covenant with him. He established a covenant in his flesh, And he was found faithful in testing. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 21. Therefore He affirmed by an oath That nations would be blessed in his seed; And He would multiply him like the dust of the earth, And exalt his seed like the stars in number, And cause them to inherit from sea unto sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 22. And with Isaac He established the same assurance, For the sake of Abraham his father. Wisdom of Sirach 44, verse 23. A blessing for all men and the covenant He made Rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him with His blessings And gave him an inheritance. Then He divided his portions among twelve tribes.