The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach — Ecclesiasticus

chapter 18


Chapters:


verse #1

He who lives forever created the whole universe.


verse #2

The Lord alone is just.


verse #3

He has given power to declare his works to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds?


verse #4

Who could measure the strength of his majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies?


verse #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.


verse #6

When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning. When he stops, then he will be perplexed.


verse #7

What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil?


verse #8

The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years.


verse #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.


verse #10

For this cause the Lord was patient over them, and poured out his mercy upon them.


verse #11

He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.


verse #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.


verse #13

He has mercy on those who accept chastening, and that diligently seek after his judgments.


verse #14

My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving.


verse #15

Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.


verse #16

Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person.


verse #17

A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of an grudging person consumes the eyes.


verse #18

Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick.


verse #19

Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.


verse #20

Humble yourself before you get sick. In the time of sins, repent.


verse #21

Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time. Don’t wait until death to be released.


verse #22

Before you make a vow, prepare yourself. Don’t be like a man who tests the Lord.


verse #23

Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.


verse #24

In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger. Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.


verse #25

From morning until evening, the time changes. All things are speedy before the Lord.


verse #26

A wise man is cautious in everything. In days of sinning, he will beware of offense.


verse #27

Every man of understanding knows wisdom. He will give thanks to him who found her.


verse #28

They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs.


verse #29

Don’t go after your lusts. Restrain your appetites.


verse #30

If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, she will make you the laughing stock of your enemies.


verse #31

Don’t make merry in much luxury, and don’t be tied to its expense.


verse #32

Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting with borrowed money when you have nothing in your purse.

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