Sir 17:24-32

24But to the penitent he provides a way back

and encourages those who are losing hope!

25Turn back to the Lord and give up your sins,

pray before him and make your offenses few.

26Turn again to the Most High and away from iniquity,

and hate intensely what he loathes.

27^* Who in Sheol can glorify the Most High^e

in place of the living who offer their praise?

28The dead can no more give praise than those who have never lived;

they who are alive and well glorify the Lord.

29How great is the mercy of the Lord,

and his forgiveness for those who return to him!

30For not everything is within human reach,

since human beings are not immortal.

31Is anything brighter than the sun? Yet it can be eclipsed.

How worthless^* then the thoughts of flesh and blood!

32God holds accountable the hosts of highest heaven,

while all mortals are dust and ashes.