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Verse 12
Theosis · English Bible
Sirach

Sirach 18

Old TestamentTheosis · English Bible

1He that liveth for ever created all things in general. 2The Lord only is righteous. 3He holds the world in the span of His hand, and all obeys His will; for He is King over all with His power, and He separates the sacred from the profane within it. 4To none hath he given power to declare his works; and who shall find out his noble acts? 5Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies? 6As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out. 7When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful. 8What is man, and whereto serveth he; what is his good, and what is his evil? 9The number of a man's days at the most is an hundred years. 10As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravel-stone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity. 11Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. 12He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion. 13The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth, and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock. 14He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments. 15My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing. 16Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so is a word better than a gift. 17Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man. 18A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes. 19Learn before thou speak, and use physic or ever thou be sick. 20Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy. 21Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance. 22Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified. 23Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord. 24Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face. 25When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need. 26From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord. 27A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time. 28Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her. 29They that had understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables. 30Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites. 31If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee. 32Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof. 33Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse.

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Sirach 18:12

John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom4th century

Reflect on the truth that the world was created through grace, and strive to emulate the Lord. 'The compassion of a person is directed toward their neighbor, but the compassion of the Lord encompasses all living beings.' What does it mean, 'all flesh'? Regardless of whether we consider the unrighteous or the righteous, we all stand in need of God's mercy; we all draw upon it, including Paul, Peter, and John. Listen to their own proclamations, which will render our commentary unnecessary. What does the esteemed Paul declare? 'I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance' (1 Tim. 1:13). Thus, did he not subsequently require mercy? Hear his words elsewhere: 'But I worked harder than all of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that was with me' (1 Cor. 15:10); concerning Epaphroditus, he states, 'He was close to death, but God had compassion on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow' (Phil. 2:27). Moreover, he reflects, 'We were burdened beyond measure, beyond our strength, so that we even despaired of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a peril and will deliver us again. In Him we have set our hope' (2 Cor. 1:8-10); and once more, 'I was rescued from the mouth of the lion, and the Lord will continue to rescue me' (2 Tim. 4:17-18). Throughout the scriptures, we see testimonies of salvation by grace. Peter’s experience reflects this grace through his forgiveness. Consider what Christ affirmed to him: 'Simon! Simon! Behold, Satan has desires to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail' (Luke 22:31). John also received this grace, as did all the apostles. Note how Christ emphasizes this when He states, 'You did not choose Me, but I chose you' (John 15:16). Thus, we all stand in need of God's grace: 'For the grace of God is upon all living beings.' If these individuals needed divine grace, what of the rest? Tell me, why does He instruct His sun to shine upon both the righteous and the wicked? (Matt. 5:45). If He had withheld rain for merely one year, would it not result in destruction for all? What if He unleashed a flood? What if He sent fire? What if He allowed swarms of insects? Yet, what if He had darkened the world as He did once before—would that not lead to ruin? If He were to shake the earth, would not all perishing be inevitable? It is fitting to ask, 'What is mankind that You are mindful of him?' (Psalm 8:5). Should God choose merely to tremble the earth, the result would be a singular grave for all. 'Behold, the nations are as a drop from a bucket,' it is said, 'and are considered as dust on the scales' (Isaiah 40:15). Just as we can easily tip the scales, He can effortlessly obliterate all existence and recreate it. Therefore, the One who wields such authority over us observes our daily transgressions without punishment—does He not endure with us in compassion? Moreover, animals also exist and are sustained by divine grace: 'O Lord, you protect both people and animals' (Psalm 35:7). He surveyed the earth and populated it with creatures. For what purpose? For you. What was your creation intended for? Was it not for love? Nothing surpasses the excellence of grace.