【Sirach】Chapter 18 << Last Chapter Next Chapter >>

18:1 The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception; the LORD alone is just.

18:2 Whom has he made equal to describing his works, and who can probe his mighty deeds?

18:3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies?

18:4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD.

18:5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered.

18:6 What is man, of what worth is he? the good, the evil in him, what are these?

18:7 The sum of a man’s days is great if it reaches a hundred years:

18:8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.

18:9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy.

18:10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.

18:11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD’s mercy reaches all flesh,

18:12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock;

18:13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts.

18:14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words.

18:15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift.

18:16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man.

18:17 Only a fool upbraids before giving; a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.

18:18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure.

18:19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.

18:20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance.

18:21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress.

18:22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying.

18:23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD.

18:24 Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.

18:25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth.

18:26 Between morning and evening the weather changes; before the LORD all things are fleeting.

18:27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing.

18:28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise;

18:29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters.

18:30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check.

18:31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies.

18:32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled;

18:33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse.

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