God said to listen to your Doctor...

I like many others look to our Doctors to keep us healthy and informed... I am fortunate to be surrounded by the best from the general doctor to the neurologist.... I have something I'd like to share with you from a passage in the Bible called "Sickness and Death" (Sirach 38)
I dedicate this to the Doctors and medical staff who I admire and trust...

Note; (h/s) equals (he or she) - (h/h) equals (his or hers)

Hold the physician in honor, for (h/s) is essential to you,
and God it was who established (h/h) profession.
From God the doctor has (h/h) wisdom,
and the king provides for (h/h) sustenance.
(H/H) knowledge makes the doctor distinguished,
and gives (h/h) access to those in authority.
God makes the earth yield healing herbs
which the prudent man should not neglect;
Was not the water sweetened by a twig
that men might learn his power?
He endows men with the knowledge
to glory in his mighty works,
Through which the doctor eases the pain
and the druggist prepares his medicines;
Thus God's creative work continues without cease
in its efficacy on the surface of the earth.

My son, when you are ill, delay not,
but pray to God, who will heal you;
Flee wickedness; let your hands be just,
cleanse your heart of every sin;
Offer your sweet-smelling oblation and petition,
a rich offering according to your means,
Then give the doctor (h/h) place
lest he leave; for you need (h/h) too.
There are times that give (h/h) an advantage,
and (h/s) too beseeches God
That (h/h) diagnosis may be correct
and (h/h) treatment bring about a cure.
He who is a sinner toward his Maker
will be defiant toward the doctor.

My son, shed tears for one who is dead
with wailing and bitter lament;
As is only proper, prepare the body,
absent not yourself from his burial;
Weeping bitterly, mourning fully,
pay your tribute of sorrow, as he deserves.
One or two days, to prevent gossip;
then compose yourself after your grief,
For grief can bring on an extremity
and heartache destroys one's own health.
Turn not your thoughts to him again;
cease to recall him; think rather of the end.
Recall him not for there is no hope of his return;
it will not help him, but only do you harm.
Remember that his fate will also be yours;
for him it was yesterday, for you today.
With the departed dead, let the memory fade;
rally your courage, once the soul has left.