‘Learn before
you speak, take care of yourself before you fall ill. Examine yourself before
judgment comes, and on the day of visitation you will be acquitted. Humble
yourself before you fall ill, repent as soon as the sin is committed. Let
nothing prevent your discharging a vow in good time, and do not wait till death
to set matters right. Prepare yourself before making a vow and do not be like
someone who tempts the Lord. Bear in mind the retribution of the last days, the
time of vengeance when God averts his face. In a time of plenty remember times
of famine, think of poverty and want when you are rich. The time slips by
between dawn and dusk, everything passes quickly for the Lord. The wise will be
cautious in everything; in sinful times will take care not to offend. Every
person of sense recognizes wisdom, and will respect anyone who has found her.
Those who understand sayings have toiled for their wisdom and have poured out
accurate maxims’ (Sirach 18:19-29)
By the words
of verse number 27 {the wise will be cautious in everything; in sinful times
will take care not to offend.} entails that such a person does everything
(humanly/spiritual) possible to overcome the desire to sin even in a sin-ridden
environment because “He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no
one permission to sin” [Sirach 15:20]
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