| 1 The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception; the LORD alone is just. |
| 2 Whom has he made equal to describing his works, and who can probe his mighty deeds? |
| 3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies? |
| 4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD. |
| 5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered. |
| 6 What is man, of what worth is he? the good, the evil in him, what are these? |
| 7 The sum of a man's days is great if it reaches a hundred years: |
| 8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity. |
| 9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy. |
| 10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more. |
| 11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD'S mercy reaches all flesh, |
| 12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock; |
| 13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts. |
| 14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words. |
| 15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift. |
| 16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man. |
| 17 Only a fool upbraids before giving; a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes. |
| 18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure. |
| 19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom. |
| 20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance. |
| 21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress. |
| 22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying. |
| 23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD. |
| 24 Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face. |
| 25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth. |
| 26 Between morning and evening the weather changes; before the LORD all things are fleeting. |
| 27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing. |
| 28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise; |
| 29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters. |
| 30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check. |
| 31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies. |
| 32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled; |
| 33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse. |