Ben Sira 18:14-24

14 He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after His judgments.
15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomforting words when thou givest any thing.
16 Shall not the dew assuage the heat? So is a word better than a gift.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? But both are with a gracious man.
18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.
19 Learn before thou speak, and use physic before thou be sick.
20 Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.
21 Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins show repentance.
22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.
23 Before thou prayest prepare thyself, and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.
24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when He shall turn away His face.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.