Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18
18
The Majesty of God
1He who lives forever created the whole universe;
2the Lord alone is just.#18.2 Other ancient authorities add and there is no other beside him; 3 he steers the world with the span of his hand, and all things obey his will; for he is king of all things by his power, separating among them the holy things from the profane.
4To none has he given power to proclaim his works;
and who can search out his mighty deeds?
5Who can measure his majestic power?
And who can fully recount his mercies?
6It is not possible to diminish or increase them,
nor is it possible to fathom the wonders of the Lord.
7When human beings have finished, they are just beginning,
and when they stop, they are still perplexed.
8What are human beings, and of what use are they?
What is good in them, and what is evil?
9The number of days in their life is great if they reach one hundred years.#18.9 Other ancient authorities add but the death of each one is beyond the calculation of all
10Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,
so are a few years among the days of eternity.
11That is why the Lord is patient with them
and pours out his mercy upon them.
12He sees and recognizes that their end is miserable;
therefore he grants them forgiveness all the more.
13The compassion of human beings is for their neighbors,
but the compassion of the Lord is for every living thing.
He rebukes and trains and teaches them,
and turns them back, as a shepherd his flock.
14He has compassion on those who accept his discipline
and who are eager for his precepts.
The Right Spirit in Giving Alms
15My child, do not mix reproach with your good deeds,
or spoil your gift by harsh words.
16Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?
So a word is better than a gift.
17Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift?
Both are to be found in a gracious person.
18A fool is ungracious and abusive,
and the gift of a grudging giver makes the eyes dim.
The Need of Reflection and Self-control
19Before you speak, learn;
and before you fall ill, take care of your health.
20Before judgment comes, examine yourself;
and at the time of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.
21Before falling ill, humble yourself;
and when you have sinned, repent.
22Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly,
and do not wait until death to be released from it.
23Before making a vow, prepare yourself;
do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.
24Think of his wrath on the day of death,
and of the moment of vengeance when he turns away his face.
25In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger;
in days of wealth think of poverty and need.
26From morning to evening conditions change;
all things move swiftly before the Lord.
27One who is wise is cautious in everything;
when sin is all around, one guards against wrongdoing.
28Every intelligent person knows wisdom,
and praises the one who finds her.
29Those who are skilled in words become wise themselves,
and pour forth apt proverbs.#18.29 Other ancient authorities add Better is confidence in the one Lord than clinging with a dead heart to a dead one.
SELF-CONTROL#18.29 This heading is included in the Gk text.
30Do not follow your base desires,
but restrain your appetites.
31If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire,
it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.
32Do not revel in great luxury,
or you may become impoverished by its expense.
33Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed money,
when you have nothing in your purse.#18.33 Other ancient authorities add for you will be plotting against your own life
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18: NRSV-CI
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.