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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18:22-33 Good News Bible Catholic Edition (GNBDK)

22. If you make a promise to the Lord, keep it as soon as you can. Don't wait until you are about to die to set things straight.

23. But before you make such a promise, be prepared to keep it. Don't try to test the Lord's patience.

24. Think! Do you want him to be angry with you on the day you die? When you face his judgement, do you want him to turn his back on you?

25. When you have all you want, think what it is like to be hungry, what it is to be poor.

26. Things can change in a single day; the Lord can act very quickly.

27. If you are wise, you will be careful in everything you do. When sin is all round you, be especially careful that you do not become guilty.

28. Every intelligent person can recognize wisdom and will honour anyone who shows it.

29. If you appreciate wisdom when you hear it, you will become wise yourself, and your words will be a source of wisdom for others.

30. Don't be controlled by your lust; keep your passions in check.

31. If you allow yourself to satisfy your every desire, you will be a joke to your enemies.

32. Don't indulge in luxurious living; the expense of it will ruin you.

33. Don't make yourself a beggar by borrowing for expensive banquets when you haven't enough money of your own.

Read complete chapter Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18