Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18

₁The Lord, who lives for ever, created the whole universe, ₂and he alone is just. ₄He has given no one enough power to describe what he has done, and no one can investigate it completely. ₅Who can measure his majestic power? Who can tell the whole story of his merciful actions? ₆We cannot add to them; we cannot subtract from them. There is no way to comprehend the marvellous things the Lord has done. ₇When we come to the end of that story, we have not even begun; we are simply at a loss for words.

₈What are human beings? Of what use are they? The good that they do — the evil that they do — what does it all mean? ₉A person who has lived a hundred years has lived an unusually long time, ₁₀but compared with all eternity, those years are like a drop of water in the ocean, like a single grain of sand. ₁₁That is why the Lord is so patient with us, why he is so free with his mercy. ₁₂He looks at us and knows that we are doomed to die; that is why he is so willing to forgive us. ₁₃A person can show compassion to a neighbour, but the Lord shows compassion for all humanity. He corrects us; he disciplines us; he teaches us. Like a shepherd tending sheep, he brings us back to himself. ₁₄He will have compassion on us if we accept his guidance and are eager for him to show us where we are wrong.

₁₅My child, when you help someone, don't reprimand him at the same time. When you make a gift, don't say anything that hurts. ₁₆Your words count for more than what you give. Even dew gives some relief during a spell of hot weather. ₁₇Yes, kind words are more effective than the best of gifts, and if you are really concerned, you will give both. ₁₈It is stupid to be unkind and insulting. No one's eyes are going to sparkle at a gift that you resent giving.

₁₉Know what you are talking about before you speak, and give attention to your health before you get ill. ₂₀Examine your conscience before the Lord judges you; then when that time comes, he will forgive you. ₂₁Humble yourself before you are punished with sickness. When you have sinned, show repentance. ₂₂If you make a promise to the Lord, keep it as soon as you can. Don't wait until you are about to die to set things straight. ₂₃But before you make such a promise, be prepared to keep it. Don't try to test the Lord's patience. ₂₄Think! Do you want him to be angry with you on the day you die? When you face his judgement, do you want him to turn his back on you? ₂₅When you have all you want, think what it is like to be hungry, what it is to be poor. ₂₆Things can change in a single day; the Lord can act very quickly. ₂₇If you are wise, you will be careful in everything you do. When sin is all round you, be especially careful that you do not become guilty. ₂₈Every intelligent person can recognize wisdom and will honour anyone who shows it. ₂₉If you appreciate wisdom when you hear it, you will become wise yourself, and your words will be a source of wisdom for others.

₃₀Don't be controlled by your lust; keep your passions in check. ₃₁If you allow yourself to satisfy your every desire, you will be a joke to your enemies. ₃₂Don't indulge in luxurious living; the expense of it will ruin you. ₃₃Don't make yourself a beggar by borrowing for expensive banquets when you haven't enough money of your own.