Sirach 18

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception; the LORD alone is just.	1 He who lives for ever has created the sum of things.
2 Whom has he made equal to describing his works, and who can probe his mighty deeds?	2 The Lord alone wil be found just.
3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies?	3
4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD.	4 He has given no one the power to proclaim his works to the end, and who can fathom his magnificentdeeds?
5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered.	5 Who can assess his magnificent strength, and who can go further and tel al of his mercies?
6 What is man, of what worth is he? the good, the evil in him, what are these?	6 Nothing can be added to them, nothing subtracted, it is impossible to fathom the marvels of the Lord.
7 The sum of a man's days is great if it reaches a hundred years:	7 When someone finishes he is only beginning, and when he stops he is as puzzled as ever.
8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.	8 What is a human being, what purpose does he serve? What is good and what is bad for him?
9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy.	9 The length of his life: a hundred years at most.
10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.	10 Like a drop of water from the sea, or a grain of sand, such are these few years compared with eternity.
11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD'S mercy reaches all flesh,	11 This is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy on them.
12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock;	12 He sees and recognises how wretched their end is, and so he makes his forgiveness the greater.
13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts.	13 Human compassion extends to neighbours, but the Lord's compassion extends to everyone; rebuking,correcting and teaching, bringing them back as a shepherd brings his flock.
14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words.	14 He has compassion on those who accept correction, and who fervently search for his judgements.
15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift.	15 My child, do not temper your favours with blame nor any of your gifts with words that hurt.
16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man.	16 Does not dew relieve the heat? In the same way a word is worth more than a gift.
17 Only a fool upbraids before giving; a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.	17 Why surely, a word is better than a good present, but a generous person is ready with both.
18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure.	18 A fool wil offer nothing but insult, and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.
19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.	19 Learn before you speak, take care of yourself before you fal ill.
20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance.	20 Examine yourself before judgement comes, and on the day of visitation you will be acquitted.
21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress.	21 Humble yourself before you fall il , repent as soon as the sin is committed.
22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying.	22 Let nothing prevent your discharging a vow in good time, and do not wait till death to set matters right.
23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD.	23 Prepare yourself before making a vow, and do not be like someone who tempts the Lord.
24 Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.	24 Bear in mind the retribution of the last days, the time of vengeance when God averts his face.
25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth.	25 In a time of plenty remember times of famine, think of poverty and want when you are rich.
26 Between morning and evening the weather changes; before the LORD all things are fleeting.	26 The time slips by between dawn and dusk, everything passes quickly for the Lord.
27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing.	27 The wise wil be cautious in everything, in sinful times wil take care not to offend.
28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise;	28 Every person of sense recognises wisdom, and wil respect anyone who has found her.
29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters.	29 Those who understand sayings have toiled for their wisdom and have poured out accurate maxims.
30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check.	30 Do not be governed by your passions, restrain your desires.
31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies.	31 If you al ow yourself to satisfy your desires, this wil make you the laughing-stock of your enemies.
32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled;	32 Do not indulge in luxurious living, do not get involved in such society.
33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse.	33 Do not beggar yourself by banqueting on credit when there is nothing in your pocket.