Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1And also after him arose Natan, to stand forth against David.

2For just as the suet is the highest of the holy offering, so too David from Israel.

3With lions he played as with a goat, and with bears as a calf from the east.

4In his youth he struck down the warrior, and causing him eternal pain and shame; with a flick of his hand on the sling, and he broke the majesty of Golyat.

5For he called to God the Highest, and He gave strength in his right hand; to hold back a man knowing in war, and to raise the horn of Israel.

6Thus the girls sang to him, and established him with "ten thousand." When crowned in a turban he fought, and all around him subjugated enemies.

7And he went against the Philistine foe, and to this day shattered their horn.

8In all his deeds he gave thanks, to God the Highest with words of glory. In all his heart he loved his Maker, and every day he thanked him with music.

9Melodies, songs, he established for the temple, and the sound of psalms and harps he made.

10And he gave splendor and beauty and honor to the festivals year after year; as he blessed the Holy Name, before the morning he raised justice.

11Also ADONAI passed over his transgression, and He raised his horn forever; and He gave him a law of monarchy, and his throne He established up to Jerusalem.

12And on his account arose after him a wise son, dwelling in security.

13Shlomo was king in prosperous days, and God caused him quiet all around.

14He who built a house for His name, and he founded an eternal Sanctuary.

15How wise were you in your youth! Your instruction flowed like the Nile!

16Land covered in Your wisdom, and Your song praised on the heights.

17With song, parable, riddle, and quote, all the people were amazed.

18You were called in the Glorious Name, that which was called over Israel; and amassed gold like iron, and like lead multiplied silver.

19And you gave your lust to women, and they ruled you in your pride.

20And you brought a blemish on your glory, and profaned your bead, to bring anger on your descendants, and moaning upon your deathbead.

21To a portion of the people to two tribes, and from Ephraim a kingdom of violence.

22But God will not forsake piety, and will not let His words fall to the ground; He will not cut off from His chosen grandson or great-grandson, and the seed of His beloved He will not destroy.

23And He gave to Yaakov a remnant, and to the house of David a root from them; and Shlomo lay down to die hopeless, and help withered from him.

24Wide in stupidity and lacking in wisdom, Reḥov'am whose counsel made the people unruly; until one arose – may he have no memory! – Yerov'am son on Nevaṭ, who sinned and caused sin to Israel.

25And he gave to Ephraim a stumbling-block, to force them from their land; and he increased his sin greatly, and to all evil he was addicted.