Sir 44
1
Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that engendered us.
2
The Lord has wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.
3
Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel
by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:
4
Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for
the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:
5
Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:
6
Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:
7
All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.
8
There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.
9
And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never
been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after
them.
10
But these were merciful men, whose righteousness has not been forgotten.
11
With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are
within the covenant.
12
Their seed stands fast, and their children for their sakes.
13
Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.
14
Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name lives for evermore.
15
The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.
16
Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all
generations.
17
Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of anger he was taken in exchange
for the world; therefore was he left as a remnant to the earth, when the flood came.
18
An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more by
the flood.
19
Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there none like to him;
20
Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the
covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.
21
Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed,
and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the
stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river to the utmost
part of the land.
22
With Isaac did he establish likewise for Abraham his father’s sake the blessing of
all men, and the covenant,
23
And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and
gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part
them.
24
And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh,
even Moses, beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.