Sirach 18
18
We Cannot Understand God's Power
1The Lord, who lives forever,
created all things,
2and he alone
is always faithful.
He is the only true God;
3one signal from his hand
and the universe obeys.
The Lord, its mighty King,
decides what we
are allowed to use,
and what he will keep
for himself alone.#18.2,3 He is the only true God … for himself alone: These words are not in some manuscripts.
4We cannot understand
or tell other people
what God's power has done,
5because we cannot measure it
or count the times
he has shown us mercy.
6Nor can we make that number
larger or smaller.
We just stand in amazement
at the things he has done,
7and at the end of a lifetime
of studying them,
we are still confused.
8As for us humans, what are we?
Do we have any purpose?
What is good for us
and what is bad?
9Few of us live a hundred years,
10which is a very short time
when compared to forever,
like a drop of ocean water
or a grain of sand
along a beach.
11That's why the Lord
patiently shows us mercy,
time after time.
12He is eager to forgive,
because he knows that we
are condemned to die.
13We show mercy to our friends,
but the Lord has mercy
on everyone.
He corrects and disciplines
and teaches us,
and leads us back to him
like a shepherd
leading a flock of sheep.
14If we pay attention
when he corrects us,
and if we study his laws,
he will be merciful.
Don't Ruin a Gift
15Students, be careful
not to ruin a gift
by criticizing the person
you give it to.
16Like a refreshing dew
in the heat of summer,
saying the right thing
can mean more than giving
17even a generous gift.
But a truly gracious person
will be ready with both.
18So don't be a fool.
People's eyes will sparkle,
if your generosity is sincere
and you speak with kindness.
Now Is the Time
19Know what you're talking about
before you start speaking
and look after your health
before it fails.
20If you turn from sin now—
before you are judged—
you will find forgiveness.
21Be humble and show that you
have turned from sin,
and you won't be punished
with illness.
22If you promise the Lord a gift,
give it now.
Don't wait until you are dying
to keep your promise,
23and don't make promises to him
unless you are ready
to keep them.
Don't test the Lord's patience.
24When your time comes to die
and face him as judge,
if he is angry, he will refuse
to even look at you.
25If you have grown wealthy
and have plenty of food,
remember when you yourself
were poor and hungry.
26Between sunrise and sunset
is plenty of time for the Lord
to turn everything around.
27The wise are always careful,
and they make sure to do right
when others are sinning.
28Smart people recognize Wisdom,
and they praise everyone
who finds her.
29If you study the writings
of the wise,
you will learn enough Wisdom
to share with others.
Self-Control#18.30 Self-Control: Most Greek and Latin manuscripts include this title.
30Control your desires;
don't let them control you.
31If you allow yourself to enjoy
everything you want,
you will look like a fool,
and your enemies will laugh.
32Do not live in luxury
that you cannot afford,
or you will become poor.
33If you have nothing,
don't borrow money
to give a banquet.
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Sirach 18: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.