Ecclesiasticus, 18

1. He who lives for ever has created the sum of things.

1. The Lord created man out of earth, and turned him back to it again.

2. The Lord alone will be found just.

2. He gave to men few days, a limited time, but granted them authority over the things upon the earth.

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3. He endowed them with strength like his own, and made them in his own image.

4. He has given no one the power to proclaim his works to the end, and who can fathom his magnificent deeds?

4. He placed the fear of them in all living beings, and granted them dominion over beasts and birds.

5. Who can assess his magnificent strength, and who can go further and tell all of his mercies?

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6. Nothing can be added to them, nothing subtracted, it is impossible to fathom the marvels of the Lord.

6. He made for them tongue and eyes; he gave them ears and a mind for thinking.

7. When someone finishes he is only beginning, and when he stops he is as puzzled as ever.

7. He filled them with knowledge and understanding, and showed them good and evil.

8. What is a human being, what purpose does he serve? What is good and what is bad for him?

8. He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the majesty of his works.

9. The length of his life: a hundred years at most.

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10. Like a drop of water from the sea, or a grain of sand, such are these few years compared with eternity.

10. And they will praise his holy name, to proclaim the grandeur of his works.

11. This is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy on them.

11. He bestowed knowledge upon them, and allotted to them the law of life.

12. He sees and recognises how wretched their end is, and so he makes his forgiveness the greater.

12. He established with them an eternal covenant, and showed them his judgments.

13. Human compassion extends to neighbours, but the Lord's compassion extends to everyone; rebuking, correcting and teaching, bringing them back as a shepherd brings his flock.

13. Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice.

14. He has compassion on those who accept correction, and who fervently search for his judgements.

14. And he said to them, "Beware of all unrighteousness." And he gave commandment to each of them concerning his neighbor.

15. My child, do not temper your favours with blame nor any of your gifts with words that hurt.

15. Their ways are always before him, they will not be hid from his eyes.

16. Does not dew relieve the heat? In the same way a word is worth more than a gift.

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17. Why surely, a word is better than a good present, but a generous person is ready with both.

17. He appointed a ruler for every nation, but Israel is the Lord's own portion.

18. A fool will offer nothing but insult, and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.

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19. Learn before you speak, take care of yourself before you fall ill.

19. All their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.

20. Examine yourself before judgement comes, and on the day of visitation you will be acquitted.

20. Their iniquities are not hidden from him, and all their sins are before the Lord.

21. Humble yourself before you fall ill, repent as soon as the sin is committed.

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22. Let nothing prevent your discharging a vow in good time, and do not wait till death to set matters right.

22. A man's almsgiving is like a signet with the Lord and he will keep a person's kindness like the apple of his eye.

23. Prepare yourself before making a vow, and do not be like someone who tempts the Lord.

23. Afterward he will arise and requite them, and he will bring their recompense on their heads.

24. Bear in mind the retribution of the last days, the time of vengeance when God averts his face.

24. Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those whose endurance is failing.

25. In a time of plenty remember times of famine, think of poverty and want when you are rich.

25. Turn to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offenses.

26. The time slips by between dawn and dusk, everything passes quickly for the Lord.

26. Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hate abominations intensely.

27. The wise will be cautious in everything, in sinful times will take care not to offend.

27. Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades, as do those who are alive and give thanks?

28. Every person of sense recognises wisdom, and will respect anyone who has found her.

28. From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased; he who is alive and well sings the Lord's praises.

29. Those who understand sayings have toiled for their wisdom and have poured out accurate maxims.

29. How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!

30. Do not be governed by your passions, restrain your desires.

30. For all things cannot be in men, since a son of man is not immortal.

31. If you allow yourself to satisfy your desires, this will make you the laughing-stock of your enemies.

31. What is brighter than the sun? Yet its light fails. So flesh and blood devise evil.

32. Do not indulge in luxurious living, do not get involved in such society.

32. He marshals the host of the height of heaven; but all men are dust and ashes.

33. Do not beggar yourself by banqueting on credit when there is nothing in your pocket.

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