Sirach 18:1-14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

18 He who lives forever created the whole universe;^(A)
2     the Lord alone will be justified.^[a](B)
4 To none has he given power to proclaim his works,
    and who can search out his mighty deeds?^(C)
5 Who can measure his majestic power,
    and who can fully recount his mercies?^(D)
6 It is not possible to diminish or increase them,
    nor is it possible to fathom the wonders of the Lord.^(E)
7 When humans have finished, they are just beginning,
    and when they stop, they are still perplexed.
⁸ What are humans, and of what use are they?
    What is good in them, and what is evil?^(F)
9 The number of days in their life is great if they reach one hundred years.^[b](G)
10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,
    so are a few years among the days of eternity.^(H)
11 That is why the Lord is patient with them
    and pours out his mercy upon them.
¹² He sees and recognizes that their end is miserable;
    therefore he grants his forgiveness all the more.^(I)
13 The compassion of humans is for their neighbors,
    but the compassion of the Lord is for every living thing.
He rebukes and trains and teaches them
    and turns them back, as a shepherd his flock.^(J)
14 He has compassion on those who accept his discipline
    and who are eager for his decrees.^(K)