Sirach 18

KING JAMES BIBLE	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general.	1 The One who dwells in eternity created all things together. God alone will be justified, and he remains an invincible King for eternity.
2 The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,	2 Who is able to declare his works?
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.	3 For who can examine his greatness?
4 To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who shall find out his noble acts?	4 And who will announce the power of his magnitude? Or who would be able to describe his mercy?
5 Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies?	5 There is no diminishing, and no increasing, and there is no discovering, the greatness of God.
6 As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out.	6 When man has reached the end, then he will begin. And when he ceases, he will be in need.
7 When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful.	7 What is man, and what is his grace? And what is his good, or what is his evil?
8 What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil?	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.
9 The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.	9 For this reason, God is patient with them, and he pours forth his mercy upon them.
10 As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.	10 He has seen that the presumption of their heart is evil, and he knows that their rebelliousness is wicked.
11 Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.	11 Therefore, he has bestowed his forgiveness on them, and he has revealed to them the way of equity.
12 He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion.	12 The compassion of man is toward those closest to him. But the mercy of God is upon all flesh.
13 The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.	13 He is merciful, and he teaches and corrects, like a shepherd with his flock.
14 He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments.	14 He takes pity on those who accept the doctrine of compassion, and he applies his judgments promptly.
15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing.	15 Son, in your good works, you should not complain, and in giving anything, you should not cause grief with evil words.
16 Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than a gift.	16 Is heat not refreshed by the dew? So also is a good word better than a gift.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man.	17 Behold, is a word not greater than a gift? But both are with a justified man.
18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.	18 The foolish place blame sharply. And a gift from the undisciplined causes the eyes to fail.
19 Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be sick.	19 Before you judge, put justice in order within yourself, and before you speak, learn.
20 Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.	20 Before you become sick, obtain medicine. And before you judge, examine yourself. And then you will find forgiveness in the sight of God.
21 Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.	21 Before you become weak, humble yourself; and in a time of infirmity, show your way of life.
22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.	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.
23 Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.	23 Before you pray, prepare your soul. And do not choose to be like a man who tempts God.
24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.	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.
25 When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.	25 Remember poverty in a time of abundance, and remember the deficiency of poverty in a day of riches.
26 From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.	26 From morning until evening, the time will be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.
27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.	27 A wise man will be cautious in all things, and during a time of many offenses, he will be attentive against inaction.
28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.	28 Anyone who is astute recognizes wisdom, and he will acknowledge anyone who finds it.
29 They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.	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.
30 Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.	30 You should not go after your desires; instead, turn away from your own will.
31 If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.	31 If you offer your desires to your soul, this will cause you to become a joy to your enemies.
32 Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof.	32 Take no delight in disorderly gatherings, whether large or small. For their commission of offenses is unceasing.
33 Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.	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.