Shirach — 18

The Majesty of YAHUAH 

1 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH who lives for ever created the whole Arath (world);

2 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH alone will be declared righteous.

4 To none has he given power to proclaim His works; and who can search out 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH's mighty deeds?

5 Who can measure His majestic power? And who can fully recount the mercies of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH?

6 It is not possible to diminish or increase them, nor is it possible to trace the wonders of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

7 When a man has finished, he is just beginning, and when he stops, he will be at a loss.

8 What is man, and of what use is he? What is his good and what is his evil?

9 The number of a man’s days is great if he reaches a hundred years.

10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand so are a few years in the day of eternity.

11 Therefore 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is patient with them and pours out His mercy upon them.

12 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH sees and recognizes that their end will be evil; therefore he grants them forgiveness in abundance.

13 The compassion of man is for his neighbor, but the compassion of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is for all living beings, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH rebukes and trains and teaches them, and turns them back, as a shepherd does to his flock.

14 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH has compassion on those who accept His discipline and who are eager for His judgments.

The Right Spirit in Giving Alms

15 My son, do not mix reproach with your good deeds, nor cause grief by your words when you present a gift.

16 Does the dew not assuage the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.

17 Indeed, does a word not surpass a good gift? Both are to be found in a righteous man.

18 A fool is unrighteous and abusive, and the gift of a grudging man makes the eyes dim.

The Need of Reflection and Self-control

19 Before you speak, learn, and before you fall ill, take care of your health.

20 Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of visitation you will find forgiveness.

21 Before falling ill, humble yourself, and when you are about to sin, turn back.

22 Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly, and do not wait until death to be released from it.

23 Before making a vow, prepare yourself; and do not be like a man who tempts 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

24 Think of the wrath of  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH on the day of death, and of the moment of vengeance when 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH turns away His face.

25 In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger; in the days of wealth think of poverty and need.

26 From morning to evening conditions change, and all things move swiftly before 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

27 A wise man is cautious in everything, and in days of sin he guards against wrongdoing.

28 Every intelligent man knows wisdom, and he praises the one who finds her.

29 Those who understand sayings become skilled themselves, and pour forth proverbs.

Self-Control

30 Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.

31 If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire, it will make you the laughing stock of your enemies.

32 Do not revel in great luxury, lest you become impoverished by its expense.

33 Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed money, when you have nothing in your purse.