“Every master artisan
Labors by night
As well as by day.
Those who cut the signets of seals,
Each is diligent
In making a great variety.
They set their heart
On painting a lifelike image.
They are careful
To finish their work.
The smith sits by the anvil.
He is intent on his iron-work.
The breath of the fire
Melts his flesh.
He struggles
With the heat of the furnace.
The sound of the hammer
Deafens his ears.
His eyes are
On the pattern of the object.
He sets his heart
On finishing his handiwork.
He is careful
To complete its decoration.
The potter sits at his work.
He turns the wheel
With his feet.
He is always deeply concerned
Over his products.
He produces them in quantity.
He moulds the clay with his arm.
He makes it pliable with his feet.
He sets his heart
To finish the glazing,
He takes care
In firing the kiln furnace.”
Sirach then explained in detail about the various skilled artists who work day and night to finish their creative works. First, there were those who made the various colorful painted seals as lifelike as possible. Then there were the blacksmiths who worked in iron with a hammer, anvil, and a hot furnace that affected their hands, ears, and eyes. Finally, there was the potter who made lots of different products. He molded the clay with his hands and feet. He finished it off by glazing it in the kiln furnace. All these artisans worked diligently until they completed their products.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 