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Ecclesiasticus
Chapter 18
God's works are wonderful: we must serve him, and not our lusts.
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He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever. |
2 |
Who is able to declare his works? |
3 |
For who shall search out his glorious acts? |
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And who shall show forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy? |
5 |
Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God. |
6 |
When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss. |
7 |
What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil? |
8 |
The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years, as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity. |
9 |
Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. |
10 |
He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil. |
11 |
Therefore hath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice. |
12 |
The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. |
13 |
He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his flock. |
14 |
He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments. |
15 |
My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word. |
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Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift. |
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Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man. |
18 |
A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes. |
19 |
Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak. |
20 |
Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God. |
21 |
Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation. |
22 |
Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever. |
23 |
Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God. |
24 |
Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face. |
25 |
Remember poverty in the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches. |
26 |
From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God. |
27 |
A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sins will beware of sloth. |
28 |
Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her. |
29 |
They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth proverbs and judgments. |
30 |
Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will. |
31 |
If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies. |
32 |
Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual. |
33 |
Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt be an enemy to thy own life. |
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