18:1
He who lives for ever has created the sum of things.
18:2
The Lord alone will be found just.
18:3
18:4
He has given no one the power to proclaim his works to the end, and who can fathom his magnificent deeds?
18:5
Who can assess his magnificent strength, and who can go further and tell all of his mercies?
18:6
Nothing can be added to them, nothing subtracted, it is impossible to fathom the marvels of the Lord.
18:7
When someone finishes he is only beginning, and when he stops he is as puzzled as ever.
18:8
What is a human being, what purpose does he serve? What is good and what is bad for him?
18:9
The length of his life: a hundred years at most.
18:10
Like a drop of water from the sea, or a grain of sand, such are these few years compared with eternity.
18:11
This is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy on them.
18:12
He sees and recognises how wretched their end is, and so he makes his forgiveness the greater.
18:13
Human compassion extends to neighbours, but the Lord's compassion extends to everyone; rebuking, correcting and teaching, bringing them back as a shepherd brings his flock.
18:14
He has compassion on those who accept correction, and who fervently search for his judgements.
18:15
My child, do not temper your favours with blame nor any of your gifts with words that hurt.
18:16
Does not dew relieve the heat? In the same way a word is worth more than a gift.
18:17
Why surely, a word is better than a good present, but a generous person is ready with both.
18:18
A fool will offer nothing but insult, and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.
18:19
Learn before you speak, take care of yourself before you fall ill.
18:20
Examine yourself before judgement comes, and on the day of visitation you will be acquitted.
18:21
Humble yourself before you fall ill, repent as soon as the sin is committed.
18:22
Let nothing prevent your discharging a vow in good time, and do not wait till death to set matters right.
18:23
Prepare yourself before making a vow, and do not be like someone who tempts the Lord.
18:24
Bear in mind the retribution of the last days, the time of vengeance when God averts his face.
18:25
In a time of plenty remember times of famine, think of poverty and want when you are rich.
18:26
The time slips by between dawn and dusk, everything passes quickly for the Lord.
18:27
The wise will be cautious in everything, in sinful times will take care not to offend.
18:28
Every person of sense recognises wisdom, and will respect anyone who has found her.
18:29
Those who understand sayings have toiled for their wisdom and have poured out accurate maxims.
18:30
Do not be governed by your passions, restrain your desires.
18:31
If you allow yourself to satisfy your desires, this will make you the laughing-stock of your enemies.
18:32
Do not indulge in luxurious living, do not get involved in such society.
18:33
Do not beggar yourself by banqueting on credit when there is nothing in your pocket.
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