Ben Sira 5:1-8
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 5
Against Presumption[a]
1 Do not rely on your wealth,
or say, “I have the power.”(A)
2 Do not rely on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
3 Do not say, “Who can prevail against me?”
for the Lord will exact punishment.
4 Do not say, “I have sinned, yet what has happened to me?”
for the Lord is slow to anger!
5 Do not be so confident of forgiveness
that you add sin upon sin.
6 Do not say, “His mercy is great;
my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
his wrath comes to rest on the wicked.
7 Do not delay turning back to the Lord,
do not put it off day after day.
For suddenly his wrath will come forth;
at the time of vengeance, you will perish.
8 Do not rely on deceitful wealth,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath.(B)
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