The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach — Ecclesiasticus
capítulo 18
verso 1
He who lives forever created the whole universe.
verso 3
He has given power to declare his works to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds?
verso 4
Who could measure the strength of his majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies?
verso 5
As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is not possible to take from them nor add to them, neither is it possible to explore them.
verso 6
When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning. When he stops, then he will be perplexed.
verso 7
What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil?
verso 8
The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years.
verso 9
As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand, so are a few years in the day of eternity.
verso 10
For this cause the Lord was patient over them, and poured out his mercy upon them.
verso 11
He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.
verso 12
The mercy of a man is on his neighbor; but the mercy of the Lord is on all flesh: reproving, chastening, teaching, and bringing back, as a shepherd does his flock.
verso 13
He has mercy on those who accept chastening, and that diligently seek after his judgments.
verso 14
My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving.
verso 15
Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.
verso 16
Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person.
verso 17
A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of an grudging person consumes the eyes.
verso 18
Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick.
verso 19
Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.
verso 20
Humble yourself before you get sick. In the time of sins, repent.
verso 21
Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time. Don’t wait until death to be released.
verso 22
Before you make a vow, prepare yourself. Don’t be like a man who tests the Lord.
verso 23
Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.
verso 24
In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger. Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.
verso 25
From morning until evening, the time changes. All things are speedy before the Lord.
verso 26
A wise man is cautious in everything. In days of sinning, he will beware of offense.
verso 27
Every man of understanding knows wisdom. He will give thanks to him who found her.
verso 28
They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs.
verso 29
Don’t go after your lusts. Restrain your appetites.
verso 30
If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, she will make you the laughing stock of your enemies.
verso 31
Don’t make merry in much luxury, and don’t be tied to its expense.
verso 32
Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting with borrowed money when you have nothing in your purse.
Libros
