Sirach 17:1-15
1God created man from the earth, and he made him according to his own image. 2And he returned him again to it, and he clothed him with virtue according to himself. 3He gave him the number and time of his days, and he gave him authority over all the things that are upon the earth. 4He placed the fear of him over all flesh, and he had dominion over wild beasts and flying things. 5He created from him a helper, similar to himself. He gave them counsel, and language, and sight, and hearing, and a heart, in order to think. And he filled them with the discipline of understanding. 6He created within them the knowledge of the spirit. He filled their heart with understanding, and he showed them both good and evil. 7He set his eye upon their hearts, to reveal to them the greatness of his works, 8so that they might highly praise the name of sanctification, and give glory to his wonders, so that they might declare the greatness of his works. 9In addition, he gave them discipline and the law of life, as their inheritance. 10He established an eternal covenant with them, and he revealed to them his justice and judgments. 11And their eye saw the greatness of his honor, and their ears heard the honor of his voice, and he said to them: “Beware of all iniquity.” 12And he commanded each one concerning his neighbor. 13Their ways are always in his sight; they are not hidden from his eyes. 14Over each and every people, he has appointed a ruler. 15And Israel was made to be the manifest portion of God.