Sirach 18

¹He who lives forever created the whole universe. ²The Lord alone is just. ⁴He has given power to declare his works to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds? ⁵Who could measure the strength of his majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies? ⁶As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is not possible to take from them nor add to them, neither is it possible to explore them. ⁷When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning. When he stops, then he will be perplexed. ⁸What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil? ⁹The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years. ¹⁰As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand, so are a few years in the day of eternity. ¹¹For this cause the Lord was patient over them, and poured out his mercy upon them. ¹²He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness. ¹³The mercy of a man is on his neighbor; but the mercy of the Lord is on all flesh: reproving, chastening, teaching, and bringing back, as a shepherd does his flock. ¹⁴He has mercy on those who accept chastening, and that diligently seek after his judgments. ¹⁵My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving. ¹⁶Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. ¹⁷Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. ¹⁸A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person consumes the eyes. ¹⁹Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick. ²⁰Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness. ²¹Humble yourself before you get sick. In the time of sins, repent. ²²Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time. Don’t wait until death to be released. ²³Before you make a vow, prepare yourself. Don’t be like a man who tests the Lord. ²⁴Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face. ²⁵In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger. Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth. ²⁶From morning until evening, the time changes. All things are speedy before the Lord. ²⁷A wise man is cautious in everything. In days of sinning, he will beware of offense. ²⁸Every man of understanding knows wisdom. He will give thanks to him who found her. ²⁹They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs. ³⁰Don’t go after your lusts. Restrain your appetites. ³¹If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, she will make you the laughing stock of your enemies. ³²Don’t make merry in much luxury, and don’t be tied to its expense. ³³Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting with borrowed money when you have nothing in your purse.