16 There is no wealth better than health of body. There is no gladness above the joy of the heart. (WEB) 17 Death is better than a bitter life, and eternal rest than a continual sickness. (WEB) 18 Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed are like food offerings laid upon a grave. (WEB)
Sirach 30:16–18
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 17:21–23
21 A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
Sirach 17:27–29
27 Who will give praise to the Most High in Hades, in place of the living who return thanks? (WEB) 28 Thanksgiving perishes from the dead, as from one who doesn’t exist. He who is in life and health will praise the Lord. (WEB) 29 How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiven… (WEB)
Sirach 30:21–23
21 Don’t give your soul to sorrow. Don’t afflict yourself deliberately. (WEB) 22 Gladness of heart is the life of a man. Cheerfulness of a man lengthens his days. (WEB) 23 Love your own soul, and comfort your heart. Remove sorrow far from you, for sorrow has destroyed many, and the… (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 7:2–4
2 It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house…
Sirach 28:20–22
20 For its yoke is a yoke of iron, and its bands are bands of brass. (WEB) 21 Its death is an evil death, and Hades is better than it. (WEB) 22 It will not have rule over godly men. They will not be burned in its flame. (WEB)
Proverbs 14:29–31
29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. 30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.
Proverbs 27:6–8
6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
Sirach 22:10–12
10 But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred. (KJV) 11 Weep for the dead, for he lacks light. Weep for a fool, for he lacks understanding. Weep more sweetly for the dead, because he has found rest, but the life… (WEB)
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