Sirach 18:1-23

Common English Bible

18 The one who lives forever
created everything
in a common fashion.
² Only the Lord will be declared just.^[a]
4 He has given no one the power
to proclaim his works.
    Who can search out his majestic deeds?
⁵ Who will measure
the power of his greatness?
    Who will continue to recount his mercy?
⁶ It’s impossible to diminish
or to increase these things,
    and it’s impossible
    to search out the wonders of the Lord.
⁷ When people finish,
then they are just beginning,
    and when they pause,
    then they are puzzled.
⁸ What are human beings,
and what use are they?
    What’s good about them,
    and what’s evil about them?
⁹ The length of a person’s life
is as much as one hundred years.^[b]
10 Like a drop of water from the sea
or a grain of sand,
    so are a few years in the span of eternity.
¹¹ Therefore, the Lord was patient
with them,
    and he poured out his mercy upon them.
¹² He saw and knew that their end
was terrible;
    therefore, his willingness to be reconciled increased.
¹³ Neighbors display mercy
toward each other,
    but the mercy of the Lord is for all beings:
        he corrects, instructs, teaches,
        and turns them back,
        as a shepherd does his flock.
¹⁴ He shows mercy to those
who accept discipline
    and to those who passionately pursue
    his judgments.

¹⁹ Learn before you speak,
    and attend to yourself
    before you get sick.
²⁰ Examine yourself before judgment,
    and you will be reconciled
    when you are examined.
²¹ Humble yourself before you get sick,
    and when you commit sins
    show a changed heart and mind.
²² Don’t be prevented from repaying
a solemn promise in a timely way,
    and don’t wait until death
    to be vindicated.
²³ Prepare yourself before making
a solemn promise,
    and don’t be like someone
    who tests the Lord.