Sirach 18

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW JERUSALEM
1 He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.	1 He who lives for ever has created the sum of things.
2 Who is able to declare his works?	2 The Lord alone wil be found just.
3 For who shall search out his glorious acts?	3
4 And who shall shew forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy?	4 He has given no one the power to proclaim his works to the end, and who can fathom his magnificentdeeds?
5 Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God:	5 Who can assess his magnificent strength, and who can go further and tel al of his mercies?
6 When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.	6 Nothing can be added to them, nothing subtracted, it is impossible to fathom the marvels of the Lord.
7 What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?	7 When someone finishes he is only beginning, and when he stops he is as puzzled as ever.
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 What is a human being, what purpose does he serve? What is good and what is bad for him?
9 Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.	9 The length of his life: a hundred years at most.
10 He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil.	10 Like a drop of water from the sea, or a grain of sand, such are these few years compared with eternity.
11 Therefore bath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice.	11 This is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy on them.
12 The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.	12 He sees and recognises how wretched their end is, and so he makes his forgiveness the greater.
13 He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his hock.	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 He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.	14 He has compassion on those who accept correction, and who fervently search for his judgements.
15 My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.	15 My child, do not temper your favours with blame nor any of your gifts with words that hurt.
16 Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift.	16 Does not dew relieve the heat? In the same way a word is worth more than a gift.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man.	17 Why surely, a word is better than a good present, but a generous person is ready with both.
18 A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes.	18 A fool wil offer nothing but insult, and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.
19 Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak.	19 Learn before you speak, take care of yourself before you fal ill.
20 Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.	20 Examine yourself before judgement comes, and on the day of visitation you will be acquitted.
21 Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.	21 Humble yourself before you fall il , repent as soon as the sin is committed.
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 your discharging a vow in good time, and do not wait till death to set matters right.
23 Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.	23 Prepare yourself before making a vow, and do not be like someone who tempts 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 Bear in mind the retribution of the last days, the time of vengeance when God averts his face.
25 Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.	25 In a time of plenty remember times of famine, think of poverty and want when you are rich.
26 From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.	26 The time slips by between dawn and dusk, everything passes quickly for the Lord.
27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sine will beware of sloth.	27 The wise wil be cautious in everything, in sinful times wil take care not to offend.
28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.	28 Every person of sense recognises wisdom, and wil respect anyone who has found her.
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 who understand sayings have toiled for their wisdom and have poured out accurate maxims.
30 Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will.	30 Do not be governed by your passions, restrain your desires.
31 If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.	31 If you al ow yourself to satisfy your desires, this wil make you the laughing-stock of your enemies.
32 Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.	32 Do not indulge in luxurious living, do not get involved in such society.
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 Do not beggar yourself by banqueting on credit when there is nothing in your pocket.