God’s works are wonderful: we must serve him, and not our lusts.
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He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.
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Who is able to declare his works?
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For who shall search out his glorious acts?
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And who shall shew forth the power of his majesty? or who shall be able to declare his mercy?
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Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God:
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When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.
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What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?
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The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years: as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity.
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Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
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He hath seen the presumption of their heart that it is wicked, and hath known their end that it is evil.
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Therefore bath he filled up his mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way of justice.
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The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.
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He hath mercy, and teacheth, and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his hock.
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He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.
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My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.
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Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so also the good word is better than the gift.
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Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a justified man.
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A fool will upbraid bitterly: and a gift of one ill taught consumeth the eyes.
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Before judgment prepare thee justice, and learn before thou speak.
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Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.
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Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.
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Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever.
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Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.
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Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face.
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Remember poverty is the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.
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From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.
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A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sins will beware of sloth.
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Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.
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They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth proverbs and judgments.
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Go not after thy lusts, but turn away from thy own will.
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If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.
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Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.
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Make not thyself poor by borrowing to contribute to feasts when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt be an enemy to thy own life.