18:4 To whom has he given power to describe his works, and who can search out his mighty deeds?
18:5 Who can measure his majestic power, or fully recount his mercies?
18:6 No one can lessen, increase, or fathom the wonders of the Lord.
18:7 When mortals finish, they are only beginning, and when they stop they are still bewildered.
18:8 What are mortals? What are they worth? What is good in them, and what is evil?
18:9 The number of their days seems great if it reaches a hundred years.
18:10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity.
18:11 That is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy on them.
18:12 He sees and understands that their death is wretched, and so he forgives them all the more.
18:13 Their compassion is for their neighbor, but the Lord’s compassion reaches all flesh, Reproving, admonishing, teaching, and turning them back, as a shepherd his flock.
18:14 He has compassion on those who accept his discipline, who are eager for his precepts.
18:15 My child, add no reproach to your charity, or spoil any gift by harsh words.
18:16 Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat? So a word can be better than a gift.
18:17 Indeed does not a word count more than a good gift? But both are offered by a kind person.
18:18 The fool is ungracious and abusive, and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.
18:19 Before you speak, learn; before you get sick, prepare the cure.
18:20 Before you are judged, examine yourself, and at the time of scrutiny you will have forgiveness.
18:21 Before you fall ill, humble yourself; and when you have sinned, show repentance. Do not delay forsaking your sins; do not neglect to do so until you are in distress.
18:22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows; do not wait until death to fulfill them.
18:23 Before making a vow prepare yourself; do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.
18:24 Think of wrath on the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.
18:25 Think of the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and need in the day of wealth.
18:26 Between morning and evening there is a change of time; before the Lord all things are fleeting.
18:27 The wise are discreet in all things; where sin is rife they keep themselves from wrongdoing.
18:28 Every wise person teaches wisdom, and those who know her declare her praise;
18:29 Those skilled in words become wise themselves, and pour forth apt proverbs.
18:30 Do not let your passions be your guide, but keep your desires in check.
18:31 If you allow yourself to satisfy your passions, they will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.
18:32 Take no pleasure in too much luxury which brings on poverty redoubled.
18:33 Do not become a glutton and a drunkard with nothing in your purse.
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