Open English Translation SIR Chapter 18

18 He who lives forever created the whole universe.

2 The master alone is just. 3 [fn]

4 He’s given power to declare his works to no one.

Who could trace out his mighty actions?

5 Who could measure the strength of his majesty?

Who could also proclaim his mercies?

6 As for the wondrous works of the master, it isn’t possible to take from them nor add to them,

neither is it possible to explore them.

7 When a man has finished, then he’s just at the beginning.

When he stops, then he’ll be perplexed.

8 What’s mankind, and what purpose do they serve?

What’s their good, and what’s their evil?

9 The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years.

10 As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand,

so are a few years in the day of eternity.

11 Because this cause the master was patient over them,

and poured out his mercy on them.

12 He saw and perceived their end, that it’s evil.

Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.

13 A man’s mercy is on his neighbour;

but the master’s mercy is on all flesh:

reproving, chastening, teaching,

and bringing back, as a shepherd does his flock.

14 He has mercy on those who accept chastening,

and that diligently seek after his judgements.

15 My son, don’t add reproach to your good actions,

and no harsh words in any of your giving.

16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat?

So a word is better than a gift.

17 Listen, isn’t a word better than a gift?

Both are with a gracious person.

18 A fool is ungracious and abusive.

The gift of an grudging person consumes the eyes.

19 Learn before you speak.

Take care of your health before you get sick.

20 Before judgement, examine yourself,

and in the hour of scrutiny you’ll find forgiveness.

21 Humble yourself before you get sick.

In the time of sins, repent.

22 Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time.

Don’t wait until death to be released.

23 Before you make a vow, prepare yourself.

Don’t be like a man who tests the master.

24 Think about the anger coming in the days of the end,

and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.

25 In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger.

Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.

26 From morning until evening, the time changes.

All things are speedy before the master.

27 A wise man is cautious in everything.

In days of sinning, he’ll beware of offence.[fn]

28 Every man of understanding knows wisdom.

He’ll give thanks to him who found her.

29 They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves,

and poured out apt proverbs.

30 Don’t go after your lusts.

Restrain your appetites.

31 If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire,

she’ll make you the laughing stock of[fn] your enemies.

32 Don’t make merry in much luxury,

and don’t be tied to its expense.

33 Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting with borrowed money

when you have nothing in your purse.[fn]