Ben Sira 18:19-29

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.
25 When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger; and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.
26 From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.
27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offense; but a fool will not observe time.
28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.
29 They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.