Ben Sira 18:13-23

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.
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