17:1 The Lord created man out of earth, and turned him back to it again.
17:2 He gave to men few days, a limited time, but granted them authority over the things upon the earth.
17:3 He endowed them with strength like his own, and made them in his own image.
17:4 He placed the fear of them in all living beings, and granted them dominion over beasts and birds.
17:6 He made for them tongue and eyes; he gave them ears and a mind for thinking.
17:7 He filled them with knowledge and understanding, and showed them good and evil.
17:8 He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the majesty of his works.
17:10 And they will praise his holy name, to proclaim the grandeur of his works.
17:11 He bestowed knowledge upon them, and allotted to them the law of life.
17:12 He established with them an eternal covenant, and showed them his judgments.
17:13 Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice.
17:14 And he said to them, "Beware of all unrighteousness." And he gave commandment to each of them concerning his neighbor.
17:15 Their ways are always before him, they will not be hid from his eyes.
17:17 He appointed a ruler for every nation, but Israel is the Lord's own portion.
17:19 All their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.
17:20 Their iniquities are not hidden from him, and all their sins are before the Lord.
17:22 A man's almsgiving is like a signet with the Lord and he will keep a person's kindness like the apple of his eye.
17:23 Afterward he will arise and requite them, and he will bring their recompense on their heads.
17:24 Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those whose endurance is failing.
17:25 Turn to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offenses.
17:26 Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hate abominations intensely.
17:27 Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades, as do those who are alive and give thanks?
17:28 From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased; he who is alive and well sings the Lord's praises.
17:29 How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!
17:30 For all things cannot be in men, since a son of man is not immortal.
17:31 What is brighter than the sun? Yet its light fails. So flesh and blood devise evil.
17:32 He marshals the host of the height of heaven; but all men are dust and ashes.
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
Terms of Use
This web tool was created by Eastern Orthodox Christian author Jonathan "C.J.S." Hayward: visit the main theology, literature, and books site!