Sirach 18:1–33

¹ He who lives forever created the whole universe. (WEB) ² The Lord alone is just. (WEB) ³ Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane. (KJV) ⁴ He has given power to declare his works to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds? (WEB) ⁵ Who could measure the strength of his majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies? (WEB) ⁶ As 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. (WEB) ⁷ When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning. When he stops, then he will be perplexed. (WEB) ⁸ What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil? (WEB) ⁹ The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years. (WEB) ¹⁰ As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand, so are a few years in the day of eternity. (WEB) ¹¹ For this cause the Lord was patient over them, and poured out his mercy upon them. (WEB) ¹² He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness. (WEB) ¹³ The 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. (WEB) ¹⁴ He has mercy on those who accept chastening, and that diligently seek after his judgments. (WEB) ¹⁵ My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving. (WEB) ¹⁶ Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. (WEB) ¹⁷ Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. (WEB) ¹⁸ A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person consumes the eyes. (WEB) ¹⁹ Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick. (WEB) ²⁰ Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness. (WEB) ²¹ Humble yourself before you get sick. In the time of sins, repent. (WEB) ²² Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time. Don’t wait until death to be released. (WEB) ²³ Before you make a vow, prepare yourself. Don’t be like a man who tests the Lord. (WEB) ²⁴ Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face. (WEB) ²⁵ In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger. Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth. (WEB) ²⁶ From morning until evening, the time changes. All things are speedy before the Lord. (WEB) ²⁷ A wise man is cautious in everything. In days of sinning, he will beware of offense. (WEB) ²⁸ Every man of understanding knows wisdom. He will give thanks to him who found her. (WEB) ²⁹ They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs. (WEB) ³⁰ Don’t go afte… (WEB)