9. The number of their days seems greatif it reaches a hundred years.
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.