Sirach 18

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.	1 The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception; the LORD alone is just.
2 Who is able to declare his works?	2 Whom has he made equal to describing his works, and who can probe his mighty deeds?
3 For who shall search out his glorious acts?	3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
4 And who shall shew forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy?	4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD.
5 Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God:	5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered.
6 When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.	6 What is man, of what worth is he? the good, the evil in him, what are these?
7 What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?	7 The sum of a man's days is great if it reaches a hundred years:
8 The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years: as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity.	8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.
9 Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.	9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy.
10 He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil.	10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.
11 Therefore bath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice.	11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD'S mercy reaches all flesh,
12 The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.	12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock;
13 He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his hock.	13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts.
14 He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.	14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
15 My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.	15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift.
16 Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift.	16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man.	17 Only a fool upbraids before giving; a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.
18 A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes.	18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure.
19 Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak.	19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.
20 Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.	20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance.
21 Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.	21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress.
22 Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever.	22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying.
23 Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.	23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD.
24 Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face.	24 Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.
25 Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.	25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth.
26 From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.	26 Between morning and evening the weather changes; before the LORD all things are fleeting.
27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sine will beware of sloth.	27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing.
28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.	28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise;
29 They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth proverbs and judgments.	29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters.
30 Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will.	30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check.
31 If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.	31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies.
32 Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.	32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled;
33 Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts when thou hast nothing in thy purse : for thou shalt be an enemy to thy own life.	33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse.