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1 He who lives forever created all things in common.
2 The Lord alone will be justified. 3 * The remainder of verse 2, and verse 3, are omitted by the best authorities.
4 He has given power to declare his works to no one.
Who could trace out his mighty deeds?
5 Who could measure the strength of his majesty?
Who could also proclaim 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 explore them.
7 When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning.
When he ceases, then he will be in perplexity.
8 What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve?
What is their good, and what is their 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 patient 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 neighbor;
but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh:
reproving, chastening, teaching,
and bringing back, as a shepherd does his flock.
14 He has mercy on those who accept chastening,
and that diligently seek after his judgments.
15 My son, to your good deeds add no blemish,
and no grief of words in any of your giving.
16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat?
So a word is better than a gift.
17 Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift?
Both are with a gracious man.
18 A fool is ungracious and abusive.
The gift of an envious man consumes the eyes.
19 Learn before you speak.
Take care of your health before you are sick.
20 Before judgement examine yourself,
and in the hour of visitation you will find forgiveness.
21 Humble yourself before you become sick.
In the time of sins, show repentance.
22 Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time.
Don’t wait until death to be justified.
23 Before you make a vow, prepare yourself.
Don’t be like a man who tempts the Lord.
24 Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end,
and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.
25 In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger.
Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.
26 From morning until evening, the time changes.
All things are speedy before the Lord.
27 A wise man is cautious in everything.
In days of sinning, he will beware of offense.† The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.
28 Every man of understanding knows wisdom.
He will give thanks to him who found her.
29 They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves,
and poured out apt proverbs.
30 Don’t go after your lusts.
Refrain yourself from your appetites.
31 If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire,
she will make you‡ Or, a rejoicing to the laughing stock of your enemies.
32 Don’t make merry in much luxury,
neither be tied to the expense thereof.
33 Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing
when you have nothing in your purse.§ The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.