Ecclesiasticus 18

NOVA VULGATA	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Qui vivit in aeternum, creavit omnia simul. Deus solus iustificabitur et manet invictus rex in aeternum.	1 The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception; the LORD alone is just.
2 Quis sufficit enarrare opera illius?	2 Whom has he made equal to describing his works, and who can probe his mighty deeds?
3 Et quis investigabit magnalia eius?	3 Who can measure his majestic power, or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
4 Virtutem autem magnitudinis eius quis enuntiabit? Aut quis adiciet enarrare misericordiam eius?	4 One cannot lessen, nor increase, nor penetrate the wonders of the LORD.
5 Non est minuere neque adicere nec est invenire magnalia Dei;	5 When a man ends he is only beginning, and when he stops he is still bewildered.
6 cum consummaverit homo, tunc incipiet et, cum quieverit, aporiabitur.	6 What is man, of what worth is he? the good, the evil in him, what are these?
7 Quid est homo, quis defectus, et quae est utilitas illius? Et quid est bonum, aut quid nequam illius?	7 The sum of a man's days is great if it reaches a hundred years:
8 Numerus dierum hominum ut multum centum anni, quasi gutta aquae maris deputati sunt, et sicut calculus arenae, sic exigui anni in die aevi.	8 Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.
9 Propter hoc patiens est Deus in illis et effundit super eos misericordiam suam.	9 That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy.
10 Vidit praesumptionem cordis eorum, quoniam mala est; et cognovit subversionem illorum, quoniam nequam est.	10 He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.
11 Ideo adimplevit propitiationem suam in illis et ostendit eis viam aequitatis.	11 Man may be merciful to his fellow man, but the LORD'S mercy reaches all flesh,
12 Miseratio hominis circa proximum suum, misericordia autem Dei super omnem carnem.	12 Reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock;
13 Qui reprehendit, docet et erudit quasi pastor dirigens gregem suum.	13 Merciful to those who accept his guidance, who are diligent in his precepts.
14 Miseretur excipientibus doctrinam miserationis et festinantibus in iudiciis eius.	14 My son, to your charity add no reproach, nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
15 Fili, in bonis non des querelam et in omni dato non des tristitiam verbi mali.	15 Like dew that abates a burning wind, so does a word improve a gift.
16 Nonne ardorem refrigerabit ros? Sic et verbum melius quam datum.	16 Sometimes the word means more than the gift; both are offered by a kindly man.
17 Nonne ecce verbum super datum bonum? Sed utraque cum homine gratioso.	17 Only a fool upbraids before giving; a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.
18 Stultus acriter improperabit, et datus indisciplinati tabescere facit oculos.	18 Be informed before speaking; before sickness prepare the cure.
19 Ante iudicium para advocatum tibi et, antequam loquaris, disce.	19 Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.
20 Ante languorem adhibe medicinam et ante iudicium interroga teipsum et in hora visitationis invenies propitiationem.	20 Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance.
21 Ante languorem humilia te et in tempore peccati ostende conversionem tuam.	21 Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress.
22 Non sinas te impediri reddere votum tempore opportuno et ne tardes usque ad mortem iustificari, quoniam merces Dei manet in aeternum.	22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; wait not to fulfill them when you are dying.
23 Ante votum praepara animam tuam et noli esse quasi homo, qui tentat Dominum.	23 Before making a vow have the means to fulfill it; be not one who tries the LORD.
24 Memento irae in die consummationis et, suo tempore, retributionis in conversione faciei.	24 Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.
25 Memento famis in tempore abundantiae et necessitatum paupertatis in die divitiarum.	25 Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth.
26 A mane usque ad vesperam mutatur tempus, et haec omnia citata in oculis Dei.	26 Between morning and evening the weather changes; before the LORD all things are fleeting.
27 Homo sapiens in omnibus metuet et in diebus delictorum cavebit a malitia.	27 A wise man is circumspect in all things; when sin is rife he keeps himself from wrongdoing.
28 Omnis astutus agnoscit sapientiam et invenienti eam dabit confessionem.	28 Any learned man should make wisdom known, and he who attains to her should declare her praise;
29 Sensati in verbis et ipsi sapienter egerunt et intellexerunt veritatem et iustitiam et effuderunt tamquam pluviam proverbia et iudicia.	29 Those trained in her words must show their wisdom, dispensing sound proverbs like life-giving waters.
30 De continentia animae. Post concupiscentias tuas non eas et a voluptatibus tuis te contine;	30 Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check.
31 si praestes animae tuae beneplacitum concupiscentiae, faciet te in gaudium inimicis tuis.	31 If you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of your enemies.
32 Ne oblecteris in multa epulatione; duplex enim portio est paupertas illius.	32 Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring on poverty redoubled;
33 Ne fueris ganeo et potator, cum nihil tibi est in sacculo: eris enim invidus vitae tuae.	33 Become not a glutton and a winebibber with nothing in your purse.