Sirach 43

1 The pride of the heights is the clear expanse, the beauty of heaven in a glorious vision.

2 When the sun appears at its rising, it proclaims a marvelous instrument, the work of the Most High.

3 At noon it dries up the land. Who can withstand its burning heat?

4 Someone tending a furnace works in intense heat, but the sun burns the mountains three times as fiercely. It breathes out fiery vapors and flashes rays that dim the eyes.

5 Great is the Lord who made it, and at his word it speeds along its course.

6 He also made the moon for each of its seasons, to mark times and serve as a sign of the age.

7 The moon marks the festivals, a light that decreases after becoming full.

8 The month takes its name from the moon. It grows wonderfully as it changes, an instrument for the armies above, shining in heaven’s expanse.

9 The beauty of heaven is the glory of the stars, a shining ornament in the Lord’s heights.

10 At the Holy One’s word they stand in their appointed order and never grow weary in their watches.

11 Look at the rainbow and bless the one who made it; it is exceedingly beautiful in its radiance.

12 It circles heaven with a glorious arc; the hands of the Most High stretched it out.

13 At his command the snow falls swiftly, and he speeds the lightning bolts of his judgment.

14 Because of this, the storehouses open and clouds fly out like birds.

15 By his greatness he makes the clouds firm, and hailstones are broken into pieces.

16 At his appearance the mountains shake, and at his will the south wind blows.

17 The sound of his thunder rebukes the earth, as do the storm from the north and the whirlwind.

18 He scatters snow like birds flying down, and its descent is like locusts settling. The eye marvels at its beautiful whiteness, and the heart is amazed as it falls.

19 He pours frost on the earth like salt, and when it freezes, it becomes pointed spikes.

20 The cold north wind blows, and ice freezes on the water. It settles on every gathering of water and clothes the water like armor.

21 It consumes mountains, scorches the wilderness, and burns up the grass like fire.

22 A mist arriving quickly heals everything, and dew after the heat brings relief.

23 By his design he calmed the deep and planted islands in it.

24 Those who sail the sea tell of its danger, and we marvel when our ears hear them.

25 There are strange and marvelous works in it, every variety of living creature and the creation of sea monsters.

26 Because of him his messenger succeeds, and by his word everything holds together.

27 We could say much and still fall short; the sum of our words is this: he is everything.

28 Where could we find strength to glorify him? He is greater than all his works.

29 The Lord is fearsome and exceedingly great, and his power is marvelous.

30 When you glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as you can, for he will still surpass you. When you exalt him, use all your strength and do not grow weary, for you will never reach the end.

31 Who has seen him and can describe him? Who can magnify him as he truly is?

32 Many things greater than these remain hidden, for we have seen only a few of his works.

33 The Lord made everything, and he gave wisdom to the devout.