Sirach 18
God created all things and remains an invincible King for eternity, and no one can fully comprehend or describe His greatness. The lifespan of humans is short and insignificant compared to eternity, and God is patient with them, pouring forth His mercy despite their wickedness. Humans should not judge others before examining themselves and should seek forgiveness from God through prayer and a virtuous life. A wise person is cautious, recognizes wisdom, and acts justly, while one should avoid following their desires and instead turn away from their own will to avoid causing harm to themselves.
The One who dwells in eternity created all things together. God alone will be justified, and he remains an invincible King for eternityWho is able to declare his worksFor who can examine his greatnessAnd who will announce the power of his magnitude? Or who would be able to describe his mercyThere is no diminishing, and no increasing, and there is no discovering, the greatness of GodWhen man has reached the end, then he will begin. And when he ceases, he will be in needWhat is man, and what is his grace? And what is his good, or what is his evilThe number of the days of men are as many as one hundred years. Like a drop of water in the ocean, so they are considered to be. And like a grain of sand on the shore, so do these few years compare to the days of all timeFor this reason, God is patient with them, and he pours forth his mercy upon themHe has seen that the presumption of their heart is evil, and he knows that their rebelliousness is wickedTherefore, he has bestowed his forgiveness on them, and he has revealed to them the way of equityThe compassion of man is toward those closest to him. But the mercy of God is upon all fleshHe is merciful, and he teaches and corrects, like a shepherd with his flockHe takes pity on those who accept the doctrine of compassion, and he applies his judgments promptlySon, in your good works, you should not complain, and in giving anything, you should not cause grief with evil wordsIs heat not refreshed by the dew? So also is a good word better than a giftBehold, is a word not greater than a gift? But both are with a justified manThe foolish place blame sharply. And a gift from the undisciplined causes the eyes to failBefore you judge, put justice in order within yourself, and before you speak, learnBefore you become sick, obtain medicine. And before you judge, examine yourself. And then you will find forgiveness in the sight of GodBefore you become weak, humble yourself; and in a time of infirmity, show your way of lifeLet nothing impede you from praying always. And then you will not dread to be justified, even unto death. For the reward of God dwells in eternityBefore you pray, prepare your soul. And do not choose to be like a man who tempts GodRemember the wrath that will be on the day of consummation, and remember the time of retribution, when he will turn away his faceRemember poverty in a time of abundance, and remember the deficiency of poverty in a day of richesFrom morning until evening, the time will be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of GodA wise man will be cautious in all things, and during a time of many offenses, he will be attentive against inactionAnyone who is astute recognizes wisdom, and he will acknowledge anyone who finds itThose who show understanding with words also have acted wisely themselves, and they have understood truth and justice, and they have fulfilled proverbs and judgmentsYou should not go after your desires; instead, turn away from your own willIf you offer your desires to your soul, this will cause you to become a joy to your enemiesTake no delight in disorderly gatherings, whether large or small. For their commission of offenses is unceasingYou should not be reduced by the contention of borrowing, even if there is nothing in your purse. For you would be contending against your own life
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