1The Lord created man from the earth and let him return to earth. 2He settled a fixed time for them and a set number of days, giving them power over every thing on earth. 3He endowed them with a strength like his own, making them in his own image.
4He put the fear of them in all living things, thus they had mastery over the animals and birds. 5* 6He endowed them with knowledge; he gave them tongue and eyes, ears and a mind to think with.
7He filled them with wisdom and knowledge; he taught them good and evil. 8He put his own eye in their hearts so they would understand the greatness of his works. 9They will praise his holy Name and 10relate the magnificence of his creation.
11He gave them revealed knowledge as well and handed over to them the Law of life. 12He established an everlasting covenant with them and let them know his judgments.
13Human eyes saw the splendor of the Glory of God; their ears heard the grandeur of his voice. 14He said to them, “Keep yourselves from all wrong doing,” and to each of them he gave commands regarding his neighbor.
15Their conduct is always before the Lord; they cannot escape his sight.
16* 17He has placed a leader over each nation, but Israel is the Lord’s own portion.
18* 19Their deeds are as clear as the sun to him, he always observes their ways.
20Their misdeeds cannot be hidden from him, all their sins are before the Lord.
21* 22He holds a man’s almsgiving dear as a priceless signet ring; he cherishes a good deed like the apple of his eye.
23One day he will rise and reward them; he will place their prize on their heads.
24He allows those who repent to return; he comforts those whose hopes are fading.
25Be converted to the Lord and give up your sins, plead with him to lessen your offense.
26Return to the Almighty, turn aside from wrongdoing and totally detest evil.
27For who in the grave will praise the Almighty, if the living do not give him glory?
28The dead man is as if he did not exist and cannot give praise; he who has life and health can praise the Lord.
29How great is the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!
30Man cannot have everything in his power since he is not immortal.
31What is brighter than the sun? Yet it disappears. Man is no more than flesh and blood, yet he thinks of doing evil. 32While the sun surveys the stars in the lofty sky, human beings remain dust and ashes.
