The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Ecclesiaticus 18
1 He who lives forever created the whole
universe.
2 The Lord alone is just.
3 †
4 He has given power to declare his works
to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds?
5 Who could measure the strength of his
majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies?
6 As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it
is not possible to take from them nor
add to them, neither is it possible to
explore them.
7 When a man has finished, then he is just
at the beginning. When he stops, then he
will be perplexed.
8 What is mankind, and what purpose do
they serve? What is their good, and
what is their evil?
9 The number of man’s days atthe 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 For this cause the Lord was patient over
them, and poured out his mercy upon them.
12 He saw and perceived their end, that it is
evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.
13 The mercy of a man is on his neighbor;
but the mercy of the Lord 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 judgments.
15 My son, don’t add reproach to your good
deeds, 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 Behold, 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 youget sick.
20 Before judgment, examine yourself,
and in the hour of scrutiny you will
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 Lord.
24 Think about the wrath 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 Lord.
27 A wise man is cautious in everything.
In days of sinning, he will beware of
offense.‡
28 Every man of understanding knows wisdom.
He will 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 will make you§ the laughing stock
of 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.†