We Cannot Understand God's Power

1The Lord, who lives forever,

created all things,

2and he alone

is always faithful.

He is the only true God;

3one signal from his hand

and the universe obeys.

The Lord, its mighty King,

decides what we

are allowed to use,

and what he will keep

for himself alone.

4We cannot understand

or tell other people

what God's power has done,

5because we cannot measure it

or count the times

he has shown us mercy.

6Nor can we make that number

larger or smaller.

We just stand in amazement

at the things he has done,

7and at the end of a lifetime

of studying them,

we are still confused.

8As for us humans, what are we?

Do we have any purpose?

What is good for us

and what is bad?

9Few of us live a hundred years,

10which is a very short time

when compared to forever,

like a drop of ocean water

or a grain of sand

along a beach.

11That's why the Lord

patiently shows us mercy,

time after time.

12He is eager to forgive,

because he knows that we

are condemned to die.

13We show mercy to our friends,

but the Lord has mercy

on everyone.

He corrects and disciplines

and teaches us,

and leads us back to him

like a shepherd

leading a flock of sheep.

14If we pay attention

when he corrects us,

and if we study his laws,

he will be merciful.

Don't Ruin a Gift

15Students, be careful

not to ruin a gift

by criticizing the person

you give it to.

16Like a refreshing dew

in the heat of summer,

saying the right thing

can mean more than giving

17even a generous gift.

But a truly gracious person

will be ready with both.

18So don't be a fool.

People's eyes will sparkle,

if your generosity is sincere

and you speak with kindness.

Now Is the Time

19Know what you're talking about

before you start speaking

and look after your health

before it fails.

20If you turn from sin now--

before you are judged--

you will find forgiveness.

21Be humble and show that you

have turned from sin,

and you won't be punished

with illness.

22If you promise the Lord a gift,

give it now.

Don't wait until you are dying

to keep your promise,

23and don't make promises to him

unless you are ready

to keep them.

Don't test the Lord's patience.

24When your time comes to die

and face him as judge,

if he is angry, he will refuse

to even look at you.

25If you have grown wealthy

and have plenty of food,

remember when you yourself

were poor and hungry.

26Between sunrise and sunset

is plenty of time for the Lord

to turn everything around.

27The wise are always careful,

and they make sure to do right

when others are sinning.

28Smart people recognize Wisdom,

and they praise everyone

who finds her.

29If you study the writings

of the wise,

you will learn enough Wisdom

to share with others.

Self-Control

30Control your desires;

don't let them control you.

31If you allow yourself to enjoy

everything you want,

you will look like a fool,

and your enemies will laugh.

32Do not live in luxury

that you cannot afford,

or you will become poor.

33If you have nothing,

don't borrow money

to give a banquet.