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[1] He that liveth for ever created all things in common.

[2] The Lord alone shall be justified.

[3]

[4] To none hath he given power to declare his works: And who shall trace out his mighty deeds?

[5] Who shall number the strength of his majesty? And who shall also tell out his mercies?

[6] As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is not possible to take from them nor add to them, Neither is it possible to track them out.

[7] When a man hath finished, then he is but at the beginning; And when he ceaseth, then shall he be in perplexity.

[8] What is man, and whereto serveth he? What is his good, and what is his evil?

[9] The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years.

[10] As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand; So are a few years in the day of eternity.

[11] For this cause the Lord was longsuffering over them, And poured out his mercy upon them.

[12] He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil; Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.

[13] The mercy of a man is upon his neighbour; But the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh; Reproving, and chastening, and teaching, And bringing again, as a shepherd doth his flock.

[14] He hath mercy on them that accept chastening, And that diligently seek after his judgements.

[15] My son, to thy good deeds add no blemish; And no grief of words in any of thy giving.

[16] Shall not the dew assuage the scorching heat? So is a word better than a gift.

[17] Lo, is not a word better than a gift? And both are with a gracious man.

[18] A fool will upbrade ungraciously; And the gift of an envious man consumeth the eyes.

[19] Learn before thou speak; And have a care of thy health or ever thou be sick.

[20] Before judgement examine thyself; And in the hour of visitation thou shalt find forgiveness.

[21] Humble thyself before thou be sick; And in the time of sins shew repentance.

[22] Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time; And wait not until death to be justified.

[23] Before thou makest a vow, prepare thyself; And be not as a man that tempteth the Lord.

[24] Think upon the wrath that shall be in the days of the end, And the time of vengeance, when he turneth away his face.

[25] In the days of fulness remember the time of hunger, And poverty and want in the days of wealth.

[26] From morning until evening the time changeth; And all things are speedy before the Lord.

[27] A wise man will fear in everything; And in days of sinning he will beware of offence.

[28] Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom; And he will give thanks unto him that found her.

[29] They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, And poured forth apt proverbs.

[30] Go not after thy lusts; And refrain thyself from thine appetites.

[31] If thou give fully to thy soul the delight of her desire, She will make thee the laughingstock of thine enemies.

[32] Make not merry in much luxury; Neither be tied to the expense thereof.

[33] Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, When thou hast nothing in thy purse.

The Wisdom Of Jesus The Son Of Sirach, Or Ecclesiasticus. — Chapters