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[1] HE that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.
[2] Who is able to declare his works?
[3] For who shall search out his glorious acts?
[4] And who shall shew forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy?
[5] Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God:
[6] When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.
[7] What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?
[8] The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years: as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity.
[9] Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
[10] He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil.
[11] Therefore bath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice.
[12] The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.
[13] He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his hock.
[14] He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.
[15] My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.
[16] Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift.
[17] Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man.
[18] A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes.
[19] Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak.
[20] Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.
[21] Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.
[22] Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever.
[23] Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.
[24] Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face.
[25] Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.
[26] From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.
[27] A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sine will beware of sloth.
[28] Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.
[29] They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth pro- verbs and judgments.
[30] Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will.
[31] If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.
[32] Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.
[33] Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts when thou hast nothing in thy purse : for thou shalt be an enemy to thy own life.
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