Ben Sira 18:12-22

12 He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore He multiplied His compassion.
13 The mercy of man is toward his neighbor, but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh. He reproveth and nurtureth and teacheth and bringeth back, as a shepherd his flock.
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.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.