Sir 18:1 He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general. Sir 18:2 The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he, Sir 18:3 Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane. Sir 18:4 To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who shall find out his noble acts? Sir 18:5 Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies? Sir 18:6 As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out. Sir 18:7 When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful. Sir 18:8 What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil? Sir 18:9 The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years. Sir 18:10 As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity. Sir 18:11 Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. Sir 18:12 He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion. Sir 18:13 The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock. Sir 18:14 He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments. Sir 18:15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing. Sir 18:16 Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than a gift. Sir 18:17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man. Sir 18:18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes. Sir 18:19 Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be sick. Sir 18:20 Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy. Sir 18:21 Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance. Sir 18:22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified. Sir 18:23 Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord. Sir 18:24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face. Sir 18:25 When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need. Sir 18:26 From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord. Sir 18:27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time. Sir 18:28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her. Sir 18:29 They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables. Sir 18:30 Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites. Sir 18:31 If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee. Sir 18:32 Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof. Sir 18:33 Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.