Sirach

1He that lives for ever created all things in common.

2The Lord alone shall be justified.

4To none has he given power to declare his works: And who shall trace out his mighty deeds?

5Who shall number the strength of his majesty? And who shall also tell out 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 track them out.

7When a man has finished, then he is but at the beginning; And when he ceaseth, then shall he be in perplexity.

8What is man, and whereto serves he? What is his good, and what is his 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 longsuffering 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 upon his neighbor; But the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh; Reproving, and chastening, and teaching, And bringing again, as a shepherd does his flock.

14He has mercy on them that accept chastening, And that diligently seek after his judgements.

15My son, to your good deeds add no blemish; And no grief of words in any of your giving.

16Shall not the dew assuage the scorching heat? So is a word better than a gift.

17Behold, is not a word better than a gift? And both are with a gracious man.

18A fool will upbrade ungraciously; And the gift of an envious man consumes the eyes.

19Learn before you speak; And have a care of your health or ever you be sick.

20Before judgement examine yourself; And in the hour of visitation you shall find forgiveness.

21Humble yourself before you be sick; And in the time of sins show repentance.

22Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time; And wait not until death to be justified.

23Before you make a vow, prepare yourself; And be not as a man that tempts the Lord.

24Think upon the wrath that shall be in the days of the end, And the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.

25In the days of fulness remember the time of hunger, And poverty and lack in the days of wealth.

26From morning until evening the time changes; And all things are speedy before the Lord.

27A wise man will fear in everything; And in days of sinning he will beware of offence.

28Every man of understanding knows wisdom; And he will give thanks to him that found her.

29They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, And poured forth apt proverbs.

30Go not after your lusts; And refrain yourself from your appetites.

31If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, She will make you the laughing stock of your enemies.

32Make not merry in much luxury; Neither be tied to the expense thereof.

33Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, When you have nothing in your purse.