Chapter 43: Poem continues with imagery of clouds, winds, hail stored in heavenly warehouse

Sirach chapter 43 selected verses

43: 13 - 33 translation Common English

Bible, published in 2013 in CEB Study Bible.

He drives the snow forward by his command,

and he speeds the lightning bolts of his

judgment on their way.

To this end, the storehouses are opened,

and clouds fly out like birds.  In his might

he subdues clouds,

and stones are broken apart for hail.

The sound of his thunder scolds the earth

[Psalm 29:3 - 4] and mountains will be shaken

when he appears.  The south wind blows by

his will, as do storms from the north and

whirlwinds.  He sprinkles the snows like 

birds flying down, and its descent is like

locusts alighting.  The eye marvels at its

beautiful whiteness, and the heart is amazed

at its showering down.

He pours frost, like salt, upon the earth,

and when it freezes it has pointy thorns.

A cold north wind will blow, and ice will

freeze on the water;  it will settle on every 

pool of water, and the water will put it on

like armor.  He will consume mountains, 

burn up the wilderness, and extinguish

grass like a fire.  A mist hastens the healing

of all things; the dew that appears will give

relief from the heat.

By his calculations, he stilled the deep,

and he planted islands in it.  Those who sail

the sea describe its danger, and we are

amazed at what we hear.  Incredible and

amazing things are there, all sorts of

living things, great sea monsters.  Because of

him, each messenger succeeds, and all

things hold together by his word.

We could say many things and never say

enough.  The final word is: The Lord is

"the All."  Where will we find the strength

to glorify him?  For God is great beyond all

his works.  The Lord is awesome and very

great,  and his power is marvelous.  Glorify

the Lord, and exalt him as much as you can:

he surpasses even that.  Exalt him, increase

your strength, and don't grow tired!

you will never say enough.  Who has

seen him and will describe him?

Whose praises him and will describe him?

Whose praises of him will match what 

he really is?

There are many hidden things greater

than these, for we have seen only a few

of his works.  The Lord made everything,

and he gave wisdom to the godly!