10. Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,so are these few years among the days of eternity.
11. That is why the Lord is patient with themand pours out his mercy on them.
12. He sees and understands that their death is wretched,and so he forgives them all the more.
13. Their compassion is for their neighbor,but the Lord’s compassion reaches all flesh,Reproving, admonishing, teaching,and turning them back, as a shepherd his flock.
14. He has compassion on those who accept his discipline,who are eager for his precepts.
15. My child, add no reproach to your charity,or spoil any gift by harsh words.
16. Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?So a word can be better than a gift.
17. Indeed does not a word count more than a good gift?But both are offered by a kind person.
18. The fool is ungracious and abusive,and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.
19. Before you speak, learn;before you get sick, prepare the cure.
20. Before you are judged, examine yourself,and at the time of scrutiny you will have forgiveness.
21. Before you fall ill, humble yourself;and when you have sinned, show repentance.Do not delay forsaking your sins;do not neglect to do so until you are in distress.
22. Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows;do not wait until death to fulfill them.
23. Before making a vow prepare yourself;do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.
24. Think of wrath on the day of death,the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.
25. Think of the time of hunger in the time of plenty,poverty and need in the day of wealth.
26. Between morning and evening there is a change of time;before the Lord all things are fleeting.