| Chapter 18 |
1 |
He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever. --
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2 |
Who is able to declare his works? --
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3 |
For who shall search out his glorious acts? --
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4 |
And who shall shew forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy? --
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5 |
Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God: --
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6 |
When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss. --
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7 |
What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil? --
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8 |
The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years: as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity. --
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9 |
Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. --
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10 |
He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil. --
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11 |
Therefore bath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice. --
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12 |
The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. --
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13 |
He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his hock. --
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14 |
He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments. --
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15 |
My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word. --
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16 |
Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift. --
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17 |
Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man. --
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18 |
A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes. --
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19 |
Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak. --
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20 |
Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God. --
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21 |
Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation. --
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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. --
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23 |
Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God. --
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24 |
Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face. --
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25 |
Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches. --
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26 |
From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God. --
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27 |
A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sine will beware of sloth. --
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28 |
Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her. --
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29 |
They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth pro- verbs and judgments. --
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30 |
Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will. --
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31 |
If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies. --
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32 |
Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual. --
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33 |
Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts when thou hast nothing in thy purse : for thou shalt be an enemy to thy own life. --
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