God’s works are wonderful: we must serve him, and not our lusts.
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He who lives forever created the whole universe.
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The Lord alone is just.
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He has given power to declare his works to no one. Who could trace out his mighty deeds?
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Who could measure the strength of his majesty? Who could also proclaim his mercies?
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As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is not possible to take from them nor add to them, neither is it possible to explore them.
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When a man has finished, then he is just at the beginning. When he stops, then he will be perplexed.
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What is mankind, and what purpose do they serve? What is their good, and what is their evil?
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The number of man’s days at the most are a hundred years.
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As a drop of water from the sea, and a pebble from the sand, so are a few years in the day of eternity.
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For this cause the Lord was patient over them, and poured out his mercy upon them.
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He saw and perceived their end, that it is evil. Therefore he multiplied his forgiveness.
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The mercy of a man is on his neighbor; but the mercy of the Lord is on all flesh: reproving, chastening, teaching, and bringing back, as a shepherd does his flock.
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He has mercy on those who accept chastening, and that diligently seek after his judgments.
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My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving.
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Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.
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Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person.
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A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of an grudging person consumes the eyes.
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Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick.
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Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.
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Humble yourself before you get sick. In the time of sins, repent.
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Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time. Don’t wait until death to be released.
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Before you make a vow, prepare yourself. Don’t be like a man who tests the Lord.
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Think about the wrath coming in the days of the end, and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.
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In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger. Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.
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From morning until evening, the time changes. All things are speedy before the Lord.
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A wise man is cautious in everything. In days of sinning, he will beware of offense.(b)
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Every man of understanding knows wisdom. He will give thanks to him who found her.
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They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves, and poured out apt proverbs.
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Don’t go after your lusts. Restrain your appetites.
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If you give fully to your soul the delight of her desire, she will make you(c) the laughing stock of your enemies.
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Don’t make merry in much luxury, and don’t be tied to its expense.
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Don’t be made a beggar by banqueting with borrowed money when you have nothing in your purse.(d)
Footnotes