The Greatness of God

1The Lord, who lives for ever, created the whole universe, 2and he alone is just.18.2 Some manuscripts add verses 2b–3: and there is no other beside him. 3 He guides the world with his hand, and everything obeys him. He is the king of all things, and his power separates what is holy from what is not. 4He has given no one enough power to describe what he has done, and no one can investigate it completely. 5Who can measure his majestic power? Who can tell the whole story of his merciful actions? 6We cannot add to them; we cannot subtract from them. There is no way to comprehend the marvellous things the Lord has done. 7When we come to the end of that story, we have not even begun; we are simply at a loss for words.

Human Beings are Nothing

8What are human beings? Of what use are they? The good that they do — the evil that they do — what does it all mean? 9A person who has lived a hundred years has lived an unusually long time, 10but compared with all eternity, those years are like a drop of water in the ocean, like a single grain of sand. 11That is why the Lord is so patient with us, why he is so free with his mercy. 12He looks at us and knows that we are doomed to die; that is why he is so willing to forgive us. 13A person can show compassion to a neighbour, but the Lord shows compassion for all humanity. He corrects us; he disciplines us; he teaches us. Like a shepherd tending sheep, he brings us back to himself. 14He will have compassion on us if we accept his guidance and are eager for him to show us where we are wrong.

Kindness and Charity

15My child, when you help someone, don't reprimand him at the same time. When you make a gift, don't say anything that hurts. 16Your words count for more than what you give. Even dew gives some relief during a spell of hot weather. 17Yes, kind words are more effective than the best of gifts, and if you are really concerned, you will give both. 18It is stupid to be unkind and insulting. No one's eyes are going to sparkle at a gift that you resent giving.

Self-examination

19Know what you are talking about before you speak, and give attention to your health before you get ill. 20Examine your conscience before the Lord judges you; then when that time comes, he will forgive you. 21Humble yourself before you are punished with sickness. When you have sinned, show repentance. 22If you make a promise to the Lord, keep it as soon as you can. Don't wait until you are about to die to set things straight. 23But before you make such a promise, be prepared to keep it. Don't try to test the Lord's patience. 24Think! Do you want him to be angry with you on the day you die? When you face his judgement, do you want him to turn his back on you? 25When you have all you want, think what it is like to be hungry, what it is to be poor. 26Things can change in a single day; the Lord can act very quickly. 27If you are wise, you will be careful in everything you do. When sin is all round you, be especially careful that you do not become guilty. 28Every intelligent person can recognize wisdom and will honour anyone who shows it. 29If you appreciate wisdom when you hear it, you will become wise yourself, and your words will be a source of wisdom for others.

Self-control

30Don't be controlled by your lust; keep your passions in check. 31If you allow yourself to satisfy your every desire, you will be a joke to your enemies. 32Don't indulge in luxurious living; the expense of it will ruin you. 33Don't make yourself a beggar by borrowing for expensive banquets when you haven't enough money of your own.