Ben Sira 18:19-21
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
19 Before you speak, learn;
before you get sick, prepare the cure.
20 Before you are judged, examine yourself,
and at the time of scrutiny you will have forgiveness.
21 Before you fall ill, humble yourself;
and when you have sinned, show repentance.[a]
Do not delay forsaking your sins;
do not neglect to do so until you are in distress.
Footnotes
- 18:21 Sickness was often viewed as a punishment for sin; hence, the need for repentance. Cf. 38:9–10; Jb 15:20–24.
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