Ben Sira 38:17-24 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

17. Weeping bitterly, mourning fully,pay your tribute of sorrow, as deserved:A day or two, to prevent gossip;then compose yourself after your grief.

18. For grief can bring on death,and heartache can sap one’s strength.

19. When a person is carried away, sorrow is over;and the life of the poor one is grievous to the heart.

20. Do not turn your thoughts to him again;cease to recall him; think rather of the end.

21. Do not recall him, for there is no hope of his return;you do him no good, and you harm yourself.

22. Remember that his fate will also be yours;for him it was yesterday, for you today.

23. With the dead at rest, let memory cease;be consoled, once the spirit has gone.

24. The scribe’s wisdom increases wisdom;whoever is free from toil can become wise.

Ben Sira 38