The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 18

1He that lives forever created all things in common. 2The Lord alone will be justified. 3The remainder of verse 2, and verse 3, are omitted by the best authorities. 4To none has he given power to declare his works: 5Who shall number the strength of his majesty? 6As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is not possible to take from them nor add to them, 7When a man has finished, then he is but at the beginning; 8What is man, and whereto serves he? 9The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years. 10As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand; 11For this cause the Lord was longsuffering over them, 12He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil; 13The mercy of a man is upon his neighbor; 14He has mercy on those who accept chastening, 15My son, to your good deeds add no blemish; 16Shall not the dew assuage the scorching heat? 17Behold, is not a word better than a gift? 18A fool will upbrade ungraciously; 19Learn before you speak; 20Before judgement examine yourself; 21Humble yourself before you be sick; 22Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time; 23Before you make a vow, prepare yourself; 24Think upon the wrath that will be in the days of the end, 25In the days of fulness remember the time of hunger, And poverty and lack in the days of wealth. 26From morning until evening the time changes; 27A wise man will fear in everything; The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities. 28Every man of understanding knows wisdom; 29They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, 30Go not after your lusts; 31If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, the laughing stock of your enemies. Or, a rejoicing to 32Make not merry in much luxury; 33Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.