The Creator and Human Frailty

1 He who lives forever created the whole universe.⁠a 2 The Lord alone is just. 4 He has not given anyone the power to declare his works. 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 Lord’s wonderful works, it is not possible to take anything away from them, add anything to them,⁠b or explore them. 7 When a man has finished, he is only at the beginning. When he stops, he will be puzzled.

8 What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil?⁠c 9 A human life lasts at most a hundred years. 10 A few years in the day of eternity are like a drop of water from the sea and a pebble from the sand.⁠d 11 For this reason the Lord was patient with them, and poured out his mercy on them.⁠e 12 He saw and recognized that their end 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.⁠f He corrects, disciplines, teaches, and brings them back as a shepherd does his flock.⁠g 14 He has mercy on those who accept discipline, and diligently seek his judgments.

Kindness in Giving

15 My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and do not add harsh words to any of your giving. 16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. 17 Look, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. 18 A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person wears away the eyes.⁠h

Foresight and Preparation

19 Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick. 20 Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness. 21 Humble yourself before you get sick. When you sin, repent. 22 Let nothing stop you from paying your vow on 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 anger coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face. 25 In times of plenty 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 swift 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 Those who understood sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs.

Self-Control and Moderation

30 Don’t go after your strong desires. Restrain your appetites.⁠i 31 If you give your soul all the pleasure she desires, she will make you the laughingstock of your enemies. 32 Don’t celebrate with excessive luxury,⁠j and don’t be tied to its expense. 33 Don’t become a beggar through feasting with borrowed money when you have nothing in your purse.