Sirach

¹Let us now praise famous men, our ancestors in their generations. ²The Lord created great glory in them— his mighty power from the beginning. ³Some ruled in their kingdoms and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding. Some have spoken in prophecies, ⁴leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their understanding, giving instruction for the people. Their words in their instruction were wise. ⁵Some composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing, ⁶rich men endowed with ability, living peaceably in their homes. ⁷All these were honored in their generations, and were outstanding in their days. ⁸Some of them have left a name behind them, so that others declare their praises. ⁹But of others, there is no memory. They perished as though they had not been. They become as though they had not been born, they and their children after them. ¹⁰But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. ¹¹A good inheritance remains with their offspring. Their children are within the covenant. ¹²Their offspring stand fast, with their children, for their sakes. ¹³Their offspring will remain forever. Their glory won’t be blotted out. ¹⁴Their bodies were buried in peace. Their name lives to all generations. ¹⁵People will declare their wisdom. The congregation proclaims their praise. ¹⁶Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up, an example of repentance to all generations.

¹⁷Noah was found perfect and righteous. In the season of wrath, he kept the race alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth when the flood came. ¹⁸Everlasting covenants were made with him, that all flesh should no more be blotted out by a flood.

¹⁹Abraham was a great father of a multitude of nations. There was none found like him in glory, ²⁰who kept the law of the Most High, and was taken into covenant with him. In his flesh he established the covenant. When he was tested, he was found faithful. ²¹Therefore he assured him by an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring, that he would multiply him like the dust of the earth, exalt his offspring like the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the utmost parts of the earth.

²²In Isaac also, he established the same assurance for Abraham his father’s sake, the blessing of all men, and the covenant. ²³He made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessings, gave to him by inheritance, and divided his portions. He distributed them among twelve tribes.