Sirach 18

CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 The One who dwells in eternity created all things together. God alone will be justified, and he remains an invincible King for eternity.	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 can examine his greatness?	3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
4 And who will announce the power of his magnitude? Or who would be able to describe his mercy?	4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD.
5 There is no diminishing, and no increasing, and there is no discovering, the greatness of God.	5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered.
6 When man has reached the end, then he will begin. And when he ceases, he will be in need.	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 are as many as one hundred years. Like a drop of water in the ocean, so they are considered to be. And like a grain of sand on the shore, so do these few years compare to the days of all time.	8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.
9 For this reason, God is patient with them, and he pours forth his mercy upon them.	9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy.
10 He has seen that the presumption of their heart is evil, and he knows that their rebelliousness is wicked.	10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.
11 Therefore, he has bestowed his forgiveness on them, and he has revealed to them the way of equity.	11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD'S mercy reaches all flesh,
12 The compassion of man is toward those closest to him. But the mercy of God is upon all flesh.	12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock;
13 He is merciful, and he teaches and corrects, like a shepherd with his flock.	13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts.
14 He takes pity on those who accept the doctrine of compassion, and he applies his judgments promptly.	14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
15 Son, in your good works, you should not complain, and in giving anything, you should not cause grief with evil words.	15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift.
16 Is heat not refreshed by the dew? So also is a good word better than a gift.	16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man.
17 Behold, is a word not greater 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 The foolish place blame sharply. And a gift from the undisciplined causes the eyes to fail.	18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure.
19 Before you judge, put justice in order within yourself, and before you speak, learn.	19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.
20 Before you become sick, obtain medicine. And before you judge, examine yourself. And then you will find forgiveness in the sight of God.	20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance.
21 Before you become weak, humble yourself; and in a time of infirmity, show your way of life.	21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress.
22 Let nothing impede you from praying always. And then you will not dread to be justified, even unto death. For the reward of God dwells in eternity.	22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying.
23 Before you pray, prepare your soul. And do not choose to be like a man who tempts God.	23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD.
24 Remember the wrath that will be on the day of consummation, and remember the time of retribution, when he will 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 in a time of abundance, and remember the deficiency of poverty in a day of riches.	25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth.
26 From morning until evening, the time will 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 be cautious in all things, and during a time of many offenses, he will be attentive against inaction.	27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing.
28 Anyone who is astute recognizes wisdom, and he will acknowledge anyone who finds it.	28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise;
29 Those who show understanding with words also have acted wisely themselves, and they have understood truth and justice, and they have fulfilled proverbs and judgments.	29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters.
30 You should not go after your desires; instead, turn away from your own will.	30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check.
31 If you offer your desires to your soul, this will cause you to become a joy to your enemies.	31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies.
32 Take no delight in disorderly gatherings, whether large or small. For their commission of offenses is unceasing.	32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled;
33 You should not be reduced by the contention of borrowing, even if there is nothing in your purse. For you would be contending against your own life.	33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse.