Sir 47

1 And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David. 2 As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the childrenof Israel. 3 He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs. 4 Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach fromthe people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath? 5 For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand to killthat mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people. 6 So the people honored him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of theLord, in that he gave him a crown of glory. 7 For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nothing the Philistines hisadversaries, and brake their horn in sunder to this day. 8 In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his wholeheart he sung songs, and loved him that made him. 9 He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody,and daily sing praises in their songs. 10 He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that theymight praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning. 11 The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant ofkings, and a throne of glory in Israel. 12 After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he lived at large. 13 Solomon reigned in a peaceful time, and was honored; for God made all quiet round abouthim, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever. 14 How wise was you in your youth and, as a flood, filled with understanding! 15 Your soul covered the whole earth, and you filled it with dark parables. 16 Your name went far to the islands; and for your peace you were beloved. 17 The countries marveled at you for your songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations. 18 By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, you did gather goldas tin and did multiply silver as lead. 19 You did bow your loins to women, and by your body you were brought into subjection. 20 You did stain your honor, and pollute your seed: so that you brought wrath upon yourchildren, and was grieved for your folly. 21 So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom. 22 But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neitherwill he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loves him he will not take away:wherefore he gave a remnant to Jacob, and out of him a root to David. 23 Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, eventhe foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people through hiscounsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and showed Ephraim the wayof sin: 24 And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land. 25 For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.