Sirach 30:17-19

Common English Bible

¹⁷ Death is better than a bitter life,
    and eternal rest is
better than chronic illness.

¹⁸ Good things that are poured out
on a closed mouth
    are the same as food offerings
    placed on a grave.
¹⁹ Of what use is an offering of fruit
to an idol?
    It can’t eat or smell.
    The person whom the Lord punishes
    is like this,