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[1] The Lord created man of the earth, And turned him back to it again.

[2] He gave them days by number, and a set time, And gave them authority over the things that are thereon.

[3] He endued them with strength proper to them; And made them according to his own image.

[4] He put the fear of man upon all flesh. Andgave him to have dominion over beasts and fowls.

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[6] Counsel, and tongue, and eyes, Ears, and heart, gave he them to understand withal.

[7] He filled them with the knowledge of wisdom, And showed them good and evil.

[8] He set his eye upon their hearts, To show them the majesty of his works.

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[10] And they shall praise the name ofhis holiness, That they may declare the majesty of his works.

[11] He added to them knowledge, And gave them a law of life for a heritage.

[12] He made an everlasting covenant with them, And showed them his judgements.

[13] Their eyes saw the majesty ofhis glory; And their ear heard the glory of his voice.

[14] And he said to them, Beware of all unrighteousness; And he gave them commandment, each man concerning his neighbor.

[15] Their ways are ever before him; They shall not be hid from his eyes.

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[17] For every nation he appointed a ruler; And Israel is the Lord's portion.

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[19] All their works are as the sun before him; And his eyes are continually upon their ways.

[20] Their iniquities are not hid from him; And all their sins are before the Lord.

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[22] With him the alms of a man is as a signet; And he will keep the bounty of a man as the apple of the eye.

[23] Afterwards he will rise up and recompense them, And render their recompense upon their head.

[24] Howbeit to them that repent he granteth a return; And he comforteth them that are losing patience.

[25] Return to the Lord, and forsake sins: Make your prayer beforehis face, and lessen the offence.

[26] Turn again to the Most High, and turn away from iniquity; And greatly hate the abominable thing.

[27] Who shall give praise to the Most High in the grave, Instead of them which live and return thanks?

[28] Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: He that is in life and health shall praise the Lord.

[29] How great is the mercy of the Lord, And his forgiveness to them that turn to him!

[30] For all things can’t be in men, Because the son of man is not immortal.

[31] What is brighter than the sun? yet this fails: And an evil man will think on flesh and blood.

[32] He looketh upon the power of the height of heaven: And all men are earth and ashes.

Ecclesiasticus — Chapters