Ecclesiasticus 18

1He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.● 2Who is able to declare his works?● 3For who shall search out his glorious acts?● 4And who shall show forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy?● 5Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God.● 6When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.● 7What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?● 8The 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.● 9Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.● 10He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil.● 11Therefore hath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice.● 12The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.● 13He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his flock.● 14He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.● 15My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.● 16Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift.● 17Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man.● 18A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes.● 19Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak.● 20Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.● 21Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.● 22Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever.● 23Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.● 24Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face.● 25Remember poverty in the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.● 26From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.● 27A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sins will beware of sloth.● 28Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.● 29They 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.● 30Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will.● 31If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.● 32Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.● 33Make 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.●