Sirach 43

1The splendor of the heights is the clear firmament, the appearance of heaven in a vision of glory.

2The sun, appearing in its form and hot, how awe-inspiring are the works of the Lord.

3At its shining it makes the world boil, and before its sword who can endure?

4Like a blazing furnace in the works of heat, the sun scorches the mountains three times over; breathing out fiery vapors, and flashing rays, it dims the eyes.

5For great is the Lord who made it, and by his word he hastens its course.

6The moon also marks the returning seasons, a ruler of the end and a sign forever.

7From them come the appointed time and the fixed seasons by statute, and the work he desired is in its cycle.

8Month by month it renews itself—how awe-inspiring it is in its changing! A vessel of the host on high, from the expanse of the sky is its shining.

9The splendor of the heavens and the majesty of the stars—its light shines brightly in the heights of God.

10At his word the decree stands, and they do not fail in their watches.

11Look at the rainbow and bless its Maker, for it is exceedingly majestic in splendor.

12He encircled the horizon in his glory, and the hand of God stretched out in his majesty.

13By his might he directs the lightning, and he makes the flashes prevail on high.

14For this reason he created the storehouse, and made the clouds fly like birds.

15By his power he gives strength to the clouds, to cast down hailstones.

16At the sound of his thunder the earth writhes; the blasts of the north are storm and tempest.

17At the flash he shakes out snow, and like locusts it settles where it stays.

18The appearance of snow dazzles the eyes, and at its falling the heart is amazed.

19He spreads frost like salt, and it sprouts like palm shoots.

20The cold of the north wind returns; like rot, it freezes its spring. Over every standing body of water it settles, and the reservoir puts on armor like a breastplate.

21It scorches the produce of the mountains with drought, and the pasture of plants with flame.

22A healing for all: a massing cloud of dew, driving back the scorching heat.

23By his plan he stilled the deep, and planted islands in it.

24Those who go down to the sea recount its far reaches; when our ears hear, we are astonished.

25There are the wonders of his marvelous works, every kind of living thing, and the great sea-creatures.

26For his sake the messenger succeeds, and by his word he accomplishes his will.

27We could say more than these, but there would be no end; and the conclusion of the matter is: all is he.

28Let us still magnify him, for we cannot search him out; and he is greater than all his works.

29The Lord is exceedingly awesome, and his words are wondrous.

30As you exalt the Lord, lift up your voice as much as you can, for there is still more.

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

32Many such wonders exist, but I have seen only a few of his works.

33The Lord made everything, and to those who fear him he gave wisdom; the praise of the fathers is everlasting.