Sirach 18:15-33

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁵ My child, do not mix reproach with your good deeds
    or harsh words with any gift.^(A)
16 Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?
    So a word is better than a gift.^(B)
17 Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift?
    Both are to be found in a gracious person.
¹⁸ A fool will rebuke ungraciously,
    and the gift of a grudging giver makes the eyes weary.^(C)

¹⁹ Before you speak, learn,
    and before you fall ill, take care of yourself.^(D)
20 Before judgment comes, examine yourself,
    and at the time of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.^(E)
21 Before falling ill, humble yourself,
    and when you have sinned, repent.^(F)
22 Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly,
    and do not wait until death to be released from it.^(G)
23 Before making a vow, prepare yourself;
    do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.^(H)
24 Think of his wrath on the day of death
    and of the moment of vengeance when he turns away his face.^(I)
25 In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger;
    in days of wealth think of poverty and need.^(J)
26 From morning to evening conditions change;
    all things move swiftly before the Lord.^(K)

³⁰ Do not follow your base desires
    but restrain your appetites.^(M)
31 If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire,
    it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.^(N)
32 Do not revel in great luxury,
    or you may become impoverished by contact with it.^(O)
33 Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed money,
    when you have nothing in your purse.^[c]