Sirach 18:5-21

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁵ Who can measure his majestic power?
    And who can fully recount his mercies?
⁶ It is not possible to diminish or increase them,
    nor is it possible to fathom the wonders of the Lord.
⁷ When human beings have finished, they are just beginning,
    and when they stop, they are still perplexed.
⁸ What are human beings, and of what use are they?
    What is good in them, and what is evil?
⁹ The number of days in their life is great if they reach one hundred years.^[a]
10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,
    so are a few years among the days of eternity.
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 them forgiveness all the more.
¹³ The compassion of human beings 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.
¹⁴ He has compassion on those who accept his discipline
    and who are eager for his precepts.

¹⁵ My child, do not mix reproach with your good deeds,
    or spoil your gift by harsh words.
¹⁶ Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?
    So a word is better than a gift.
¹⁷ Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift?
    Both are to be found in a gracious person.
¹⁸ A fool is ungracious and abusive,
    and the gift of a grudging giver makes the eyes dim.

¹⁹ Before you speak, learn;
    and before you fall ill, take care of your health.
²⁰ Before judgment comes, examine yourself;
    and at the time of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.
²¹ Before falling ill, humble yourself;
    and when you have sinned, repent.