1The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again.2He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein.3He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to his image,4and put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls.5Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand.6Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil.7He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness of his works;8and they shall praise his holy name, that they may search out his marvellous works.9Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.10He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them his judgments.11Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice.12And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.13Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes.14For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:15Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.16None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord.17The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.18Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompence upon their heads.19But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience.20Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before his face, and offend less.21Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abomination vehemently.22Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks?23Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.24How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!25For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.26What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth: and flesh and blood will imagine evil.27He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earth and ashes.
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