Against Presumption

Rely not on your wealth;

say not: "I have the power."

Rely not on your strength

in following the desires of your heart.

Say not: "Who can prevail against me?"

for the LORD will exact the punishment.

Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has

befallen me?"

for the LORD 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 nor 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.

Sirach 5:1-10