Sirach 44

1Let us now praise famous men,

and our fathers in their generations.

2The Lord apportioned to thema great glory,

his majesty from the beginning.

3There were those who ruled in their kingdoms,

and were men renowned for their power,

giving counsel by their understanding,

and proclaiming prophecies;

4leaders of the people in their deliberations

and in understanding of learning for the people,

wise in their words of instruction;

5those who composed musical tunes,

and set forth verses in writing;

6rich men furnished with resources,

living peaceably in their habitations-

7all these were honored in their generations,

and were the glory of their times.

8There are some of them who have left a name,

so that men declare their praise.

9And there are some who have no memorial,

who have perished as though they had not lived;

they have become as though they had not been born,

and so have their children after them.

10But these were men of mercy,

whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten;

11their prosperity will remain with their descendants,

and their inheritance to their children's children.b

12Their descendants stand by the covenants;

their children also, for their sake.

13Their posterity will continue for ever,

and their glory will not be blotted out.

14Their bodies were buried in peace,

and their name lives to all generations.

15Peoples will declare their wisdom,

and the congregation proclaims their praise.