Writings of Ben Sirach, cont. 2

Rely not on your wealth;say not: "I have the power."Rely not on your strengthin following the desires of your heart.Say not: "Who can prevail against me?"or, "Who will subdue me for my deeds?"for God will surely exact the punishment.Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?"for the Most High bides his time.Of forgiveness be not overconfident,adding sin upon sin.Say not: "Great is his mercy;my many sins he will forgive."For mercy and anger alike are with him;upon the wicked alights his wrath.Delay not your conversion to the LORD,put it not off from day to day.For suddenly his wrath flames forth;at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.Rely not upon deceitful wealth,for it will be no help on the day of wrath.