章节 1

Chapter 1

1 统治世界的人，你们应爱正义，对上主应有正确的观念，应以诚朴的心寻求上主，

1 Love justice, you that are the judges of the earth. Think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in simplicity of heart.

2 因为，凡不试探上主的，都可以寻到上主；对上主不失信的，上主必向他显示。

2 For he is found by them that tempt him not: and he sheweth himself to them that have faith in him.

3 邪曲的思想，使人离开天主；愚人试探全能者，只有使自己蒙羞，

3 For perverse thoughts seperate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise:

4 因为，智慧不进入存心不良的灵魂里，也不住在一个屈服于罪恶的身体内。

4 For wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins.

5 实在，施训的圣神，远避欺诈，远离无知的思念；不义一到，即刻退去。

5 For the Holy Spirit of discipline will flee from the deceitful, and will withdraw himself from thoughts that are without understanding, and he shall not abide when iniquity cometh in.

6 智慧是爱人的神，口出咒语的人，她必惩罚；因为天主洞悉他的内心，确切监视他的心灵，听闻他的言语；

6 For the spirit of wisdom is benevolent, and will not acquit the evil speaker from his lips: for God is witness of his reins, and he is a true searcher of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.

7 实在，上主的神充满了世界，包罗万象，通晓一切语言。

7 For the spirit of the Lord hath filled the whole world: and that, which containeth all things, hath knowledge of the voice.

8 为此，谈论不义之事的，无不终被识破；执行报复的正义，也决不会将他放过。

8 Therefore he that speaketh unjust things cannot be hid, neither shall the chastising judgment pass him by.

9 因为恶人的思念，必将受审讯；上主听到他的言语，必惩罚他的罪行。

9 For inquisition shall be made into the thoughts of the ungodly: and the hearing of his words shall come to God, to the chastising of his iniquities.

10 原来天主嫉恶的耳朵，能听万事；连低声的怨言，也隐藏不住。

10 For the ear of jealousy heareth all things, and the tumult of murmuring shall not be hid.

11 所以，你们要谨防无益的怨言，禁止口舌，别说毁谤的话；因为暗中的言语，决不会空空过去；说谎的口舌，必杀害灵魂。

11 Keep yourselves therefore from murmuring, which profiteth nothing, and refrain your tongue from detraction, for an obscure speech shall not go for nought: and the mouth that belieth, killeth the soul.

12 不要因生活堕落而自招丧亡，也不要因你们双手的作为而自取灭亡，

12 Seek not death in the error of your life, neither procure ye destruction by the works of your hands.

13 因为天主并未造死亡，也不乐意生灵灭亡。

13 For God made not death, neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living.

14 他造了万物，为叫它们生存；世上的生物都有生命力，本身都没有致命的毒素，阴府在地上也没有权势；

14 For he created all things that they might be: and he made the nations of the earth for health: and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor kingdom of hell upon the earth.

15 因为正义是不死不灭的。

15 For justice is perpetual and immortal.

16 但是，不义的人，因自己的言行自招死亡，与死亡相爱相恋，结立盟约，实堪作死亡的伴侣。

16 But the wicked with works and words have called it to them: and esteeming it a friend have fallen away, and have made a covenant with it: because they are worthy to be of the part thereof.

章节 2

Chapter 2

1 恶人们胡思乱想自语说：「我们的生命又短促，又多愁；人的死期一到，又没有办法补救，也从不见有人从阴府回来。

1 For they have said, reasoning with themselves, but not right: The time of our life is short and tedious, and in the end of a man there is no remedy, and no man hath been known to have returned from hell:

2 我们原是偶然而生，过后我们又好像未曾生存过；我们鼻中的气息只是一阵烟雾，思想亦不过是心动迸出的火花；

2 For we are born of nothing, and after this we shall be as if we had not been: for the breath in our nostrils is smoke: and speech a spark to move our heart,

3 火花一旦熄灭，身躯即变成灰土，魂魄即像轻风消散。

3 Which being put out, our body shall be ashes, and our spirit shall be poured abroad as soft air, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, which is driven away by the beams of the sun, and overpowered with the heat thereof:

4 我们的名字，随时被人遗忘，无人追念我们的工作；我们的生命消逝，有如一丝浮云，又如为日光所驱散，被热力所蒸化的烟雾。

4 And our name in time shall be forgotten, and no man shall have any remembrance of our works.

5 实在，我们的时日，有如疾驰的阴影；我们一死去，再不得返回，因为一经盖印，无人再能返回。

5 For our time is as the passing of a shadow, and there is no going back of our end: for it is fast sealed, and no man returneth.

6 所以，来！让我们享受现有的美福，趁年轻及时消受这世界。

6 Come therefore, and let us enjoy the good things that are present, and let us speedily use the creatures as in youth.

7 我们要痛饮美酒，浓施香液，莫让春花空空溜过。

7 Let us fill ourselves with costly wine, and ointments: and let not the flower of the time pass by us.

8 在玫瑰花尚未萎谢以前，用来作我们的花冠；【我们要随处享乐，连一块草地也别放过。】

8 Let us crown ourselves with roses, before they be withered: let no meadow escape our riot.

9 凡是乐事，我们不要放过，到处要留下我们欢乐的痕迹，因为这是我们的名份，我们的运命。

9 Let none of us go without his part in luxury: let us everywhere leave tokens of joy: for this is our portion, and this our lot.

10 我们要压迫穷苦的义人，不必顾惜寡妇，连白发年高的老人，也不必敬重。

10 Let us oppress the poor just man, and not spare the widow, nor honour the ancient grey hairs of the aged.

11 我们的势力，就是正义的法律，因为软弱只呈现自己无用。

11 But let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is feeble, is found to be nothing worth.

12 我们要陷害义人，因为他太令我们讨厌，反对我们的作为，指责我们违犯法律，控诉我们品行不检，

12 Let us therefore lie in wait for the just, because he is not for our turn, and he is contrary to our doings, and upbraideth us with transgressions of the law, and divulgeth against us the sins of our way of life.

13 自夸认识天主，自称是上主的仆人，

13 He boasteth that he hath the knowledge of God, and calleth himself the son of God.

14 自充我们思想的裁判员，我们一见他，就感觉讨厌；

14 He is become a censurer of our thoughts.

15 因为他的生活与众不同，他的行径与人两样。

15 He is grievous unto us, even to behold: for his life is not like other men's, and his ways are very different.

16 他竟将我们视作杂种，远避我们的行径，像远避不洁之物；声言义人有幸福的结局，且自夸有天主为父。

16 We are esteemed by him as triflers, and he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness, and he preferreth the latter end of the just, and glorieth that he hath God for his father.

17 我们且看他的话是否属实，看他究有什么结局。

17 Let us see then if his words be true, and let us prove what shall happen to him, and we shall know what his end shall be.

18 因为，如果义人是天主的儿子，天主定要帮助他，拯救他脱离敌人的手。

18 For if he be the true son of God, he will defend him, and will deliver him from the hands of his enemies.

19 来罢！我们用耻辱和酷刑试验他，查看他是否温良，考验他是否忍耐。

19 Let us examine him by outrages and tortures, that we may know his meekness and try his patience.

20 我们判他受可耻的死刑，看他是否蒙受眷顾，如他所说的一样。」

20 Let us condemn him to a most shameful death: for there shall be respect had unto him by his words.

21 他们这样思想真是荒谬，因为邪恶使他们丧失了理智，

21 These things they thought, and were deceived: for their own malice blinded them.

22 不明了天主的奥理，不希望圣德的酬报，也不赏识无罪灵魂的奖赏。

22 And they knew not the secrets of God, nor hoped for the wages of justice, nor esteemed the honour of holy souls.

23 其实天主造了人，原是不死不灭的，使他成为自己本性的肖像；

23 For God created man incorruptible, and to the image of his own likeness he made him.

24 但因魔鬼的嫉妒，死亡才进入了世界。

24 But by the envy of the devil, death came into the world:

25 只有与他结缘的人，才经历死亡。

25 And they follow him that are of his side.

章节 3

Chapter 3

1 义人的灵魂在天主手里，痛苦不能伤害他们。

1 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.

2 在愚人看来，他们算是死了，认为他们去世是受了惩罚，

2 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:

3 离我们而去，仿佛是归于泯灭；其实，他们是处于安宁中；

3 And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace.

4 虽然在人看来，他们是受了苦；其实，却充满著永生的希望。

4 And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality.

5 他们受了些许的痛苦，却要蒙受绝大的恩惠，因为天主试验了他们，发觉他们配作自己的人：

5 Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself.

6 他试炼了他们，好像炉中的黄金；悦纳了他们，有如悦纳全燔祭。

6 As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them.

7 他们蒙眷顾时，必要闪烁发光，有如禾稭间往来飞驰的火花。

7 The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds.

8 他们要审判万国，统治万民，上主要永远作他们的君王。

8 They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

9 倚恃上主的人，必明白真理；忠信于上主之爱的人，必与他同住，因为恩泽与仁慈，原归于他所选拔的人。

9 They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect.

10 但是不虔敬的人，必因他们的思念而遭受惩罚，因为他们蔑视了义人，离弃了上主。

10 But the wicked shall be punished according to their own devices: who have neglected the just, and have revolted from the Lord.

11 轻视智慧和教训的人是有祸的：他们的希望只有落空，劳苦只有徒劳，工作只有失败；

11 For he that rejecteth wisdom, and discipline, is unhappy: and their hope is vain, and their labours without fruit, and their works unprofitable.

12 他们的妻子愚蠢，子女邪恶，后裔可咒骂。

12 Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked.

13 荒胎无罪，而又不知床第罪恶的妇女，是有福的；到灵魂受眷顾的时候，她必富有果实。

13 Their offspring is cursed: for happy is the barren: and the undefiled, that hath not known bed in sin: she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls.

14 同样，不生育的男人，手若不作非法的行为，心不思念相反上主的恶事，是有福的；天主见他忠贞，必赐给他特赏，在上主的圣殿中，赐给他更称心的一份。

14 And the eunuch, that hath not wrought iniquity with his hands, nor thought wicked things against God: for the precious gift of faith shall be given to him, and a most acceptable lot in the temple of God.

15 因为高尚的劳苦必结荣誉的果实，智慧的根蒂绝不会中断。

15 For the fruit of good labours is glorious, and the root of wisdom never faileth.

16 淫乱的儿子长不到成年，苟合而生的子孙必将灭绝。

16 But the children of adulterers shall not come to perfection, and the seed of the unlawful bed shall be rooted out.

17 他们纵使长命，也不值一文；就是到了高年，也无人尊敬；

17 And if they live long, they shall be nothing regarded, and their last old age shall be without honour.

18 假若他们早死，也没有什么希望，在审判之日，也没有安慰。

18 And if they die quickly, they shall have no hope, nor speech of comfort in the day of trial.

19 恶人后裔的结局实在悲惨。

19 For dreadful are the ends of a wicked race.

章节 4

Chapter 4

1 纯洁的后代，是多么光辉，多么美丽！更好是无子而有道德，因为道德的记念，永存不朽，常为天主和世人所赏识。

1 how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men.

2 有道德在，人都效法；道德不在，人都期待；道德在永远加冕奏凯，因为她在为无玷的报酬奋斗，获得了胜利。

2 When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts.

3 不虔敬者的子孙，虽然众多，一无所用，杂种的苗裔，扎根不深，根底不稳；

3 But the multiplied brood of the wicked shall not thrive, and bastard slips shall not take deep root, nor any fast foundation.

4 即使一时枝叶繁茂，但因扎根不深，风一吹即摇动；暴风一发，即连根拔出；

4 And if they flourish in branches for a time, yet standing not fast, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.

5 嫩枝尚未长成，即被打断；结的果实毫无益处，酸得不能吃，毫无用途。

5 For the branches not being perfect, shall be broken, and their fruits shall be unprofitable, and sour to eat, and fit for nothing.

6 到了审判之日，凡不合法而生的子女，将作他们父母淫行的证人。

6 For the children that are born of unlawful beds, are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.

7 义人纵或夭折，亦必获享安息。

7 But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest.

8 因为，可敬的老年并不在于高寿，也不在于以年岁来衡量；

8 For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs.

9 其实；人的老年是在于有智慧，高寿是在于生活纯洁。

9 And a spotless life is old age.

10 这样的人悦乐了天主，也为天主所爱，因他生活在罪人中间，所以天主把他接去。

10 He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners he was translated.

11 他被接去，免得邪恶改变了他的心意，虚伪迷惑了他的心灵；

11 He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.

12 因为罪恶的虫惑，使人丧失天良；情欲的风暴，毁坏纯朴的心灵。

12 For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind.

13 他在短期内成为完人，与满享高寿无异。

13 Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time:

14 他的灵魂使天主悦乐，因此，天主迅速将他从邪恶之中提去。世人见了，并不明了，也不存心细想：

14 For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities: but the people see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts:

15 他拣选的人，必获恩宠和仁慈；对他虔诚的人，必蒙眷顾。

15 That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen.

16 死去的义人，是判定活着而不虔敬的人有罪；夭折的青年完人，是判定高寿而不义的老年人有罪。

16 But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust.

17 这般人虽然看到智慧人的结局，却不明了上主对他有什么计划，也不明了上主为什么使他平安无恙；

17 For they shall see the end of the wise man, and shall not understand what God hath designed for him, and why the Lord hath set him in safety.

18 他们见了，反而嗤笑，但上主却要讥笑他们。

18 They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn.

19 最后，他们将成为一具卑鄙的死尸，是亡者中的永远的耻辱，因为上主要将他们打倒在地，使之俯首无言，连根拔除，彻底破坏，长处于痛苦中，永无记念存在。

19 And they shall fall after this without honour, and be a reproach among the dead for ever: for he shall burst them puffed up and speechless, and shall shake them from the foundations, and they shall be utterly laid waste: they shall be in sorrow, and their memory shall perish.

20 在清算他们的罪恶时，他们将战兢前来受审，他们的邪恶要起来作证，控告他们。

20 They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them.

章节 5

Chapter 5

1 那时，义人有恃无恐，站在那些曾经压迫他，轻视他受苦的人面前；

1 Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours.

2 他们一见，不胜惊恐，惊奇他竟也意外获得了救恩。

2 These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation.

3 他们必将懊悔心伤地彼此叹息说：「这就是我们曾一度讥笑侮辱过的那人！

3 Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: These are they, whom we had some time in derision, and for a parable of reproach.

4 我们真糊涂，曾将他的生活视为愚狂，曾将他的死亡视为耻辱。

4 We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour.

5 他怎么也被列在天主的儿子中？怎么在圣人中也有他的分子？

5 Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints.

6 显然是我们偏离了真理的道路，正义的光没有烛照过我们，智慧的太阳也没有为我们升起。

6 Therefore we have erred from the way of truth, and the light of justice hath not shined unto us, and the sun of understanding hath not risen upon us.

7 我们走遍了邪恶与灭亡的行径，穿过了无路的旷野，唯有上主的道路，我们却没有认识。

7 We wearied ourselves in the way of iniquity and destruction, and have walked through hard ways, but the way of the Lord we have not known.

8 傲慢为我们有什么用处？财富与虚荣为我们又有什么利益？

8 What hath pride profited us? or what advantage hath the boasting of riches brought us?

9 这一切都过去了，像阴影，像疾逝的流言；

9 All those things are passed away like a shadow, and like a post that runneth on,

10 像在波涛起伏的水面上航行的船只，驶过之后，无迹可寻，波涛里也没有留下船行的踪迹；

10 And as a ship that passeth through the waves: whereof when it is gone by, the trace cannot be found, nor the path of its keel in the waters:

11 或如空中飞过的鸟，一去无踪；牠鼓翼而飞，用力冲击，一路穿破轻微的空气，振翼飞过之后，也不见飞过的痕迹；

11 Or as when a bird flieth through the air, of the passage of which no mark can be found, but only the sound of the wings beating the light air, and parting it by the force of her flight; she moved her wings, and hath flown through, and there is no mark found afterwards of her way:

12 或如射向靶子的箭，穿破的空气立即复原，认不出它经过的路径；

12 Or as when an arrow is shot at a mark, the divided air presently cometh together again, so that the passage thereof is not known:

13 我们也是这样，刚一出生，即不存在，没有表现一点功德的痕迹，只在邪恶中消耗了我们的一生。

13 So we also being born, forthwith ceased to be: and have been able to shew no mark of virtue: but are consumed in our wickedness.

14 【罪人在地狱中说了这些话。】

14 Such things as these the sinners said in hell:

15 的确，恶人的希望，像被风吹去的糠秕，像被暴风刮去的薄霜，像被风飘散的云烟，像投宿一日即行消逝的旅客记念。

15 For the hope of the wicked is as dust, which is blown away with the wind, and as a thin froth which is dispersed by the storm: and a smoke that is scattered abroad by the wind: and as the remembrance of a guest of one day that passeth by.

16 至于义人却永远生存；在上主那里，有他们的酬报；在至高者那里，有他们的照顾。

16 But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High.

17 因此，他们要从上主手中，得到荣耀的王位，华丽的冠冕，因为上主要用右手庇护他们，以自己的手臂保卫他们。

17 Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them.

18 上主必以嫉愤作武器，武装受造之物来报复仇敌；

18 And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies.

19 必披上正义，当作胸甲：戴上了正直的判断，当作钢盔，

19 He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet.

20 拿上无敌的圣洁，当作盾牌，

20 He will take equity for an invincible shield:

21 磨尖盛怒有如利刃；整个世界都要跟随他来攻击愚顽的人。

21 And he will sharpen his severe wrath for a spear, and the whole world shall fight with him against the unwise.

22 闪电的火箭，必由张开的云弓射出，奔向靶子；

22 Then shafts of lightning shall go directly from the clouds, as from a bow well bent, they shall be shot out, and shall fly to the mark.

23 由云架中，将射出含怒的冰雹；海水必怒号冲击他们，江河必氾滥淹灭他们；

23 And thick hail shall be cast upon them from the stone casting wrath: the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the rivers shall run together in a terrible manner.

24 全能者向他们一吹气，他们即如为旋风所吹散。不法的事要使全球变成荒域，邪恶要倾覆有权势的座位。

24 A mighty wind shall stand up against them, and as a whirlwind shall divide them: and their iniquity shall bring all the earth to a desert, and wickedness shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.

章节 6

Chapter 6

1 【智慧胜于体力，智者胜于勇士。】

1 Wisdom is better than strength, and a wise man is better than a strong man.

2 所以，列王！你们要听，且要明白；世上的判官！你们应受教；

2 Hear therefore, ye kings, and understand: learn, ye that are judges of the ends of the earth.

3 统治群众多而自负者！你们应当倾听：

3 Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations:

4 你们的权威，是由上主赐予的，高位是来自至高者，他要检查你们的作为，查究你们的心意。

4 For power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts:

5 因为，你们是他王国的公仆，如果你们判案不公，不守法律，不按天主的旨意行事，

5 Because being ministers of his kingdom, you have not judged rightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor walked according to the will of God.

6 天主必要可怕而迅速地临于你们，对身居高位的，执行严厉的审判。

6 Horribly and speedily will he appear to you: for a most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule.

7 因为，卑微的人，还堪怜可恕；有权势的，必受严厉的拷问。

7 For to him that is little, mercy is granted: but the mighty shall be mightily tormented.

8 万有的主宰决不顾情面，也不畏惧权势，因为无论大小，都是他造的；他对一切，都一律加以照顾；

8 For God will not except any man's person, neither will he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he made the little and the great, and he hath equally care of all.

9 但对有权势的人必严加审讯。

9 But a greater punishment is ready for the more mighty.

10 所以，各位君侯！我的话是对你们说的，要你们学习智慧，不再失职。

10 To you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that you may learn wisdom, and not fall from it.

11 谁圣善地持守圣善的法律，便是圣善的人；谁学习这些法律，必会寻得辩护。

11 For they that have kept just things justly, shall be justified: and they that have learned these things, shall find what to answer.

12 所以你们应思慕我的话，珍爱我的话，如此，你们必深受教益。

12 Covet ye therefore my words, and love them, and you shall have instruction.

13 智慧是光明的，从不暗淡；爱慕她的，很容易看见她；寻觅她的，就可找到她；

13 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away, and is easily seen by them that love her, and is found by them that seek her.

14 一有追求她的志愿，她必预先显示给他们。

14 She preventeth them that covet her, so that she first sheweth herself unto them.

15 早起寻求她的，不必费劳，因为必发现她坐在门前。

15 He that awaketh early to seek her, shall not labour: for he shall find her sitting at his door.

16 思念智慧，是齐全的明哲；为她守夜不寐的，很快就必无顾虑。

16 To think therefore upon her, is perfect understanding: and he that watcheth for her, shall quickly be secure.

17 因为，智慧到处寻找配得上自己的人，她在路上亲切地把自己显示出来，很关心地迎接他们。

17 For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, and she sheweth herself to them cheerfully in the ways, and meeteth them with all providence.

18 智慧的真起点，是切愿受教；

18 For the beginning of her is the most true desire of discipline.

19 切愿受教就是爱；爱即在于遵守法律；遵守法律，便是不朽的保证；

19 And the care of discipline is love: and love is the keeping of her laws: and the keeping of her laws is the firm foundation of incorruption:

20 不朽使人亲近天主；

20 And incorruption bringeth near to God.

21 所以，慕求智慧引人高登王位。

21 Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to the everlasting kingdom.

22 万民的君侯！你们若喜爱王位与王权，就应尊重智慧，好能永居王位。

22 If then your delight be in thrones, and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, love wisdom, that you may reign for ever.

23 【万民的统治者，你们应爱慕智慧的光明！】

23 Love the light of wisdom, all ye that bear rule over peoples.

24 我要陈述，什么是智慧，她是怎样有的；我决不向你们隐瞒她的妙理，反而探源索本，将对她的认识公开陈述，决不歪曲真理。

24 Now what wisdom is, and what was her origin, I will declare: and I will not hide from you the mysteries of God, but will seek her out from the beginning of her birth, and bring the knowledge of her to light, and will not pass over the truth:

25 我决不与使人消沉的嫉妒同行，因为，它与智慧绝无共同之处。

25 Neither will I go with consuming envy: for such a man shall not be partaker of wisdom.

26 智慧人众多，世界才有救；君王明达，民生才安定。

26 Now the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the whole world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.

27 所以，你们应接受我的训言；如此，你们必受教益。

27 Receive therefore instruction by my words, and it shall be profitable to you.

章节 7

Chapter 7

1 我也是有死的人，同众人一样；我也是出于用土受造的原祖，在母胎中形成了肉躯，

1 I myself also am a mortal man, like all others, and of the race of him, that was first made of the earth, and in the womb of my mother I was fashioned to be flesh.

2 十月之久，在母血中凝结，由男精与合梦的欲乐而形成。

2 In the time of ten months I was compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure of sleep concurring.

3 我一出生，便呼吸了公共的空气，落在具有同一命运的地上，哭出了第一声，与众人无异；

3 And being born I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, that is made alike, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.

4 我在襁褓中，受了母亲的抚育和照顾。

4 I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with great cares.

5 没有一位君王，另有不同的诞生，

5 For none of the kings had any other beginning of birth.

6 因为，人人进入生命的路，只有一条，去世亦然。

6 For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.

7 为此，我曾祈求，天主就赐给了我聪明；我曾呼吁，智慧的神便临于我身。

7 Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me:

8 我宁要智慧，而不要王权和王位；财富与她相较，分文不值。

8 And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.

9 无价的宝石也不能与她相比，因为，一切黄金在她面前，不过只是一粒细沙；白银在她跟前，无异一撮泥土。

9 Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold in comparison of her, is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay.

10 我爱她，胜过爱健康和美色，我以她比光明更为可取，因为，由她而来的光辉，从不暗淡。

10 I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out.

11 的确，一切美物都伴她而来，在她手中握有数不清的财富。

11 Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands,

12 为了这一切美物，我极其欢乐，因为，智慧是一切美物的先导；我一向还不知道，智慧竟是一切美物的母亲。

12 And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all.

13 我诚心地学习了，我也豪爽地分施与人，我绝不隐藏智慧的财富。

13 Which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not.

14 因为智慧是人用之不尽的宝藏；凡占有的人，必获得天主的友爱，赖受教而获得的恩赐，深得天主的欢心。

14 For she is an infinite treasure to men! which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gift of discipline.

15 愿天主使我遵照他的意愿说话，使我的思想配合他的恩赐，因为是他领导智慧，引导智者；

15 And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me: because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the wise:

16 原来，我们和我们的言论，我们的一切聪明和技巧，都在他手中。

16 For in his hand are both we, and our words, and all wisdom, and the knowledge and skill of works.

17 是他把所有事物的正确知识赐给了我，使我明了世界的构造，和元素的能量，

17 For he hath given me the true knowledge of the things that are: to know the disposition of the whole world, and the virtues of the elements,

18 时间的始末和中心，冬至夏至的转变，和季节的变更，

18 The beginning, and ending, and midst of the times, the alterations of their courses, and the changes of seasons,

19 年岁的循环与星辰的位置，

19 The revolutions of the year, and the dispositions of the stars,

20 生物的天性，和野兽的本能，鬼神的力量，和人类的思想，植物的繁杂，和草根的效能。

20 The natures of living creatures, and rage of wild beasts, the force of winds, and reasonings of men, the diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots,

21 所有或隐或明的事，我都知道，因为教导我的，是造万物的技师──智慧。

21 And all such things as are hid and not foreseen, I have learned: for wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me.

22 在她内的神，原是聪明的，至圣的，唯一的，多样的，微妙的，敏捷的，精明的，无玷的，率直的，不受损害的，好善的，锐敏的，

22 For in her is the spirit of understanding: holy, one, manifold, subtile, eloquent, active, undefiled, sure, sweet, loving that which is good, quick, which nothing hindereth, beneficent,

23 无敌的，施惠的，爱人的，稳固的，坚决的，无虑的，无所不能的，无所不察的，又是洞察所有明达、洁净和精微心灵的。

23 Gentle, kind, steadfast, assured, secure, having all power, overseeing all things, and containing all spirits, intelligible, pure, subtile.

24 实在智慧比一切活动更为活动；她是如此精纯，能渗透深入一切。

24 For wisdom is more active than all active things: and reacheth everywhere by reason of her purity.

25 她是天主威能的气息，是全能者荣耀的真诚流露；因此，任何污秽都不能浸入她内。

25 For she is a vapour of the power of God, and a certain pure emanation of the glory of the almighty God: and therefore no defiled thing cometh into her.

26 她是永远光明的反映，是天主德能的明镜，是天主美善肖像。

26 For she is the brightness of eternal light, and the unspotted mirror of God's majesty, and the image of his goodness.

27 虽是独一的，却无所不能；她虽恒存不变，却常使万物更新。她世世代代，进入圣善的灵魂，使他们成为天主的朋友和先知；

27 And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself the same, she reneweth all things, and through nations conveyeth herself into holy souls, she maketh the friends of God and prophets.

28 因为，天主只爱那与智慧同居共处的人。

28 For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.

29 实在，智慧比太阳还美丽，压倒一切星座；如与光明相比，她必占优势；

29 For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of the stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it.

30 因为，光明还要让位于黑夜，但是邪恶绝不能战胜智慧。

30 For after this cometh night, but no evil can overcome wisdom.

章节 8

Chapter 8

1 智慧施展威力，从地极直达地极，从容治理万物。

1 She reacheth therefore from end to end mightily, and ordereth all things sweetly.

2 我爱慕智慧，自幼就寻求她，设法娶她作我的配偶：我实在喜爱她的美丽，

2 Her have I loved, and have sought her out from my youth, and have desired to take her for my spouse, and I became a lover of her beauty.

3 因她与天主共同生活，更彰显了她出身的尊贵；万有的主宰也喜爱她。

3 She glorifieth her nobility by being conversant with God: yea and the Lord of all things hath loved her.

4 她实在透澈天主的奥秘，自行决择天主的工程。

4 For it is she that teacheth the knowledge of God, and is the chooser of his works.

5 如果财富是今生所极贪求的对象，有什么比创造一切的智慧更为富足？

5 And if riches be desired in life, what is richer than wisdom, which maketh all things?

6 如果理智指导工作，那么，在万有中有谁比智慧更配作技师？

6 And if sense do work: who is a more artful worker than she of those things that are?

7 若有人爱慕正义，应知道：德行是智慧工作的效果，因为她教训人节制，明智、公义和勇敢：在此生没有比这些为人更有裨益。

7 And if a man love justice: her labours have great virtues; for she teacheth temperance, and prudence, anad justice, and fortitude, which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in life.

8 若有人希望有丰富的经验，智慧知道往古，推测未来，通晓深言奥意，会解释谜语，预知异蹟和奇事，年代和世纪的结局。

8 And if a man desire much knowledge: she knoweth things past, and judgeth of things to come: she knoweth the subtilties of speeches, and the solutions of arguments: she knoweth signs and wonders before they be done, and the events of times and ages.

9 为此，我决意娶她与我一同生活，深知她是我顺境中的参谋，是我忧虑与困苦中的安慰。

9 I purposed therefore to take her to me to live with me: knowing that she will communicate to me of her good things, and will be a comfort in my cares and grief.

10 我虽然年幼，藉着她，我在民众中必获荣耀，必为长老所尊重；

10 For her sake I shall have glory among the multitude, and honour with the ancients, though I be young:

11 我在断案时，必断狱机敏，有权势的人见了，都对我表示钦佩。【长官见了，莫不对我惊奇。】

11 And I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of the mighty, and the faces of princes shall wonder at me.

12 我沉默，他们就静候；我发言，他们就侧耳静听；我若讲论不绝，他们就用手掩住自己的口。

12 They shall wait for me when I hold my peace, and they shall look upon me when I speak, and if I talk much they shall lay their hands on their mouths.

13 藉着她，我将永垂不朽，且为我以后的人，留下永恒的记念。

13 Moreover by the means of her I shall have immortality: and shall leave behind me an everlasting memory to them that come after me.

14 我要统治万民，列邦都要归顺我。

14 I shall set the people in order: and nations shall be subject to me.

15 可畏的君侯听见我必要恐惧；在民众前，我将显示温良；在战争时，我将显出勇敢。

15 Terrible kings hearing shall be afraid of me: among the multitude I shall be found good, and valiant in war.

16 回到家中，只有在她身傍，我才获得安息；因为只要与她为伴，便没有苦恼；与她共同生活，便没有悲哀，只有喜乐和愉快。

16 When I go into my house, I shall repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no bitterness, nor her company any tediousness, but joy and gladness.

17 我每一念及这些思想，心里反复思量：不死不灭是在于与智慧亲近，

17 Thinking these things with myself, and pondering them in my heart, that to be allied to wisdom is immortality,

18 纯洁的喜乐是在于与智慧为友，无尽的财富是在于智慧手中的工作；明哲是在于与智慧结交，声誉是在于与智慧交谈；因此，我寻遍方法；好能将她娶到手中。

18 And that there is great delight in her friendship, and inexhaustible riches in the works of her hands, and in the exercise of conference with her, wisdom, and glory in the communication of her words: I went about seeking, that I might take her to myself.

19 我原是个性善的孩子，获得了个善良的灵魂；

19 And I was a witty child and had received a good soul.

20 或更好说，因为我善良，我进入了一个无玷的身体内；

20 And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.

21 但我知道，天主若不将她赐给我，我不会获得她──连知道这是谁的恩赐，己经是由于智慧──我于是转向上主全心祈求他说：

21 And as I knew that I could not otherwise be continent, except God gave it, and this also was a point of wisdom, to know whose gift it was: I went to the Lord, and besought him, and said with my whole heart:

章节 9

Chapter 9

1 「列祖的天主，仁慈的上主！你用你的言语，创作了一切，

1 God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thy word,

2 以你的智慧造了人，使他统治你所造的万物，

2 And by thy wisdom hast appointed man, that he should have dominion over the creature that was made by thee,

3 吩咐他以圣德和正义，管理世界，以正直的心，施行权力：

3 That he should order the world according to equity and justice, and execute justice with an upright heart:

4 求你赐给我侍立于你座旁的智慧，不要将我从你仆人中开除；

4 Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne, and cast me not off from among thy children:

5 因为，我是你的仆人，是你婢女的儿子，是病弱短命，对正义与法律绝少认识的人。

5 For I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid, a weak man, and of short time, and falling short of the understanding of judgment and laws.

6 在人子中，即便有人是完人，如果没有出于你的智慧，他实算不了什么。

6 For if one be perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.

7 你曾选拔我，作你百姓的君王，作你子女的判官。

7 Thou hast chosen me to be king of thy people, and a judge of thy sons and daughters.

8 你曾命令我，在你的圣山上建造圣殿，在你居住的城邑内修筑祭坛，仿照你起初所备置的圣幕的式样。

8 And hast commanded me to build a temple on thy holy mount, and an altar in the city of thy dwelling place, a resemblance of thy holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the beginning:

9 智慧与你同在，她洞悉你的工作；当你创造世界的时候，她已在场，知道你喜悦什么，知道按你的法律，甚么是正当的。

9 And thy wisdom with thee, which knoweth thy works, which then also was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was agreeable to thy eyes, and what was right in thy commandments.

10 求你从你的圣天上，遣发智慧，从你荣耀的宝座旁，派遣她来，与我共处同劳，教我知道什么是你喜悦的事。

10 Send her out of thy holy heaven, and from the throne of thy majesty, that she may be with me, and may labour with me, that I may know what is acceptable with thee:

11 因为她知道一切，通达一切，能引导我行事明智，以自己的德能保护我。

11 For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and shall lead me soberly in my works, and shall preserve me by her power.

12 这样，我的工作必蒙悦纳，治理你的百姓可以公正，配坐我父亲的宝座。人无智慧，不能获得救恩。

12 So shall my works be acceptable, and I shall govern thy people justly, and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.

13 有谁能知道天主的计划，有谁能想像上主的意愿？

13 For who among men is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of God is?

14 有死的人的思想，常是不定的，我们人的计谋常是无常的；

14 For the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our counsels uncertain.

15 因为，这必腐朽的肉身，重压着灵魂；这属于土的寓所，迫使精神多虑。

15 For the corruptible body is a load upon the soul, and the earthly habitation presseth down the mind that museth upon many things.

16 世上的事，我们还难以测度；目前的事，我们还得费力追求；那么，天主上的事谁还能探究？

16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth: and with labour do we find the things that are before us. But the things that are in heaven, who shall search out?

17 你若不赐予智慧，从高天派遣你的圣神，谁能知道你的旨意？

17 And who shall know thy thought, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above:

18 这样，世人的道路才得修直了，人们才可学习你喜悦的事，

18 And so the ways of them that are upon earth may be corrected, and men may learn the things that please thee?

19 赖智慧获得救援。」

19 For by wisdom they were healed, whosoever have pleased thee, O Lord, from the beginning.

章节 10

Chapter 10

1 智慧保护了最初受造，世界上唯一的原祖，

1 She preseved him, that was first formed by God the father of the world, when he was created alone,

2 救他脱离了本身的罪过，给了他统治万物的能力。

2 And she brought him out of his sin, and gave him power to govern all things.

3 但当不义者在愤怒中背弃了智慧，遂怒杀兄弟而自取灭亡。

3 But when the unjust went away from her in his anger, he perished by the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.

4 因他的缘故，洪水淹没了世界，仍是智慧指引义人，藉著贱价的木材，拯救了世界。

4 For whose cause, when water destroyed the earth, wisdom healed it again, directing the course of the just by contemptible wood.

5 当列国同谋作恶而混乱时，智慧又辨别出义人来，加以保护，使他在天主前无瑕可指；当他痛惜儿子时，又坚强了他。

5 Moreover when the nations had conspired together to consent to wickedness, she knew the just, and preserved him without blame to God, and kept him strong against the compassion for his son.

6 当不虔敬的人毁灭时，智慧救了义人，逃脱了那降在五城的天火；

6 She delivered the just man who fled from the wicked that were perishing, when the fire came down upon Pentapolis:

7 为证明他们的邪恶，这块荒地还在冒烟；树木结果，却不成熟；盐柱留在那里，以作那无信的灵魂的纪念碑。

7 Whose land for a testimony of their wickedness is desolate, and smoketh to this day, and the trees bear fruits that ripen not, and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an incredulous soul.

8 因为他们离弃了智慧，不但害得自己不认识善事，而且还给世人留下了他们愚妄的纪念，致使他们的过犯一点也不能隐瞒。

8 For regarding not wisdom, they did not only slip in this, that they were ignorant of good things, but they left also unto men a memorial of their folly, so that in the things in which they sinned, they could not so much as lie hid.

9 但是，智慧却从因难中拯救了崇拜她的人。

9 But wisdom hath delivered from sorrow them that attend upon her.

10 智慧引导逃避长兄愤怒的义人，走上了正路；将天主的国指示给他，叫他明白神圣的事；在困苦之中使他顺利，令他的劝劳效果丰满。

10 She conducted the just, when he fled from his brother's wrath, through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours.

11 有人由于贪婪，窘迫他时，智慧又在旁协助，使他致富。

11 In the deceit of them that overreached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable.

12 智慧保护他脱离仇敌，使他安全，不受暗算；在他搏斗时，使他获胜，叫他明了虔敬的能力，高于一切。

12 She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all.

13 智慧没有离弃被卖的义人，反而救他免于罪恶；

13 She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit.

14 与他同入坑狱，在缧絏之中，也没有舍弃他，直到令他取得王权，统治欺压他的人们，证明诬谤他的人说的尽是谎言；赏给了他永垂不朽的光荣。

14 And in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

15 智慧拯救了圣洁的民族，使无瑕可指的种族，脱离压迫他们的异民。

15 She delivered the just people, and blameless seed from the nations that oppressed them.

16 她进入了上主仆人的灵魂，藉异能和奇迹，对抗可畏的君王。

16 She entered into the soul of the servant of God, and stood against dreadful kings in wonders and signs.

17 她酬报了圣徒的劳苦，领他们走上了奇妙的道路：日间作他们的荫凉，夜里作他们的星光；

17 And she rendered to the just the wages of their labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and she was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night:

18 领他们走过了红海，引他们穿过了洪涛，

18 And she brought them through the Red Sea, and carried them over through a great water.

19 却淹没了他们的仇敌，又将他们从海底抛出；因此，义人反夺得了不虔敬者的战利品。

19 But their enemies she drowned in the sea, and from the depth of hell she brought them out. Therefore the just took the spoils of the wicked.

20 上主！他们遂称颂了你的圣名，同心赞美了你施展卫护的手臂；

20 And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand.

21 因为，智慧开了哑巴的口，使婴儿的舌伶俐善言。

21 For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent.

章节 11

Chapter 11

1 智慧使他们的事业，在圣先知的手下进行顺利：

1 She prospered their works in the hands of the holy prophet.

2 他们走过了无人烟的荒野，在无路的荒野，支搭了帐幕；

2 They went through wildernesses that were not inhabited, and in desert places they pitched their tents.

3 与敌军对峙，击退了敌人。

3 They stood against their enemies, and revenged themselves of their adversaries.

4 他们渴时，呼求了你，巖石就给他们流出了清泉，磐石解决了他们的口渴。

4 They were thirsty, and they called upon thee, and water was given them out of the high rock, and a refreshment of their thirst out of the hard stone.

5 他们的敌人在什么事上受罚，他们就在那种困难中受到爱护。

5 For by what things their enemies were punished, when their drink failed them, while the children of Israel abounded therewith and rejoiced:

6 【敌人缺少的，以色列人却常有不缺。】

6 By the same things they in their need were benefited.

7 为惩罚埃及人颁发杀害婴儿的命令，常流的江河，混入了鲜血污泥，

7 For instead of a fountain of an ever running river, thou gavest human blood to the unjust.

8 你却出乎众望，另赐给了以色列人丰富的水；

8 And whilst they were diminished for a manifest reproof of their murdering the infants, thou gavest to thine abundant water unlooked for:

9 他们藉著当时的口渴，可以明了你怎样惩罚了他们的仇人。

9 Shewing by the thirst that was then, how thou didst exalt thine, and didst kill their adversaries.

10 以色列人固然受了试探，但这只是出乎仁爱的惩戒，要他们明了不虔敬的人，在天主义怒的审判之下，怎样受了惩罚；

10 For when they were tried, and chastised with mercy, they knew how the wicked were judged with wrath and tormented.

11 因为你考验以色列人，自来就像一个规劝的父亲；你审问埃及人，却像一位定罪的严厉君王。

11 For thou didst admonish and try them as a father: but the others, as a severe king, thou didst examine and condemn.

12 以色列人不论在的时候，或远去的时候，埃及人都同样遭受痛苦。

12 For whether absent or present, they were tormented alike.

13 他们因受双重的苦恼夹击，一回忆往事，便呻吟叹息；

13 For a double affliction came upon them, and a groaning for the remembrance of things past.

14 因为当他们一听说自己的刑罚，反成了别人的利益，便知这是上主的作为。

14 For when they heard that by their punishments the others were benefited, they remembered the Lord, wondering at the end of what was come to pass.

15 埃及人以前所抛弃，所放逐，所讥笑的人，在事后反为他们惊奇不已，因为他们的口渴，究竟与义人不同。

15 For whom they scorned before, when he was thrown out at the time of his being wickedly exposed to perish, him they admired in the end, when they saw the event: their thirsting being unlike to that of the just.

16 他们因愚昧与邪恶的思想，走入了歧途，崇拜了无灵的爬虫和贱兽，你就派遣了成群的无灵的动物，来惩罚他们，

16 But for the foolish devices of their iniquity, because some being deceived worshipped dumb serpents and worthless beasts, thou didst send upon them a multitude of dumb beasts for vengeance.

17 叫他们知道，人用什么来犯罪，就用什么来罚他。

17 That they might know that by what things a man sinneth, by the same also he is tormented.

18 因为，你全能的手，既能从无定形的原质中，造出了世界，也不难为他们遣来许多狗熊或猛狮，

18 For thy almighty hand, which made the world of matter without form, was not unable to send upon them a multitude of bears, or fierce lions,

19 或新造而不知名的残暴猛兽，喷射火焰，放射毒气，两眼闪烁可怕的火星。

19 Or unknown beasts of a new kind, full of rage: either breathing out a fiery vapour, or sending forth a stinking smoke, or shooting horrible sparks out of their eyes:

20 这些猛兽，不但能肆虐将他们消灭，即连他们恐怖的形状，也能把人吓死。

20 Whereof not only the hurt might be able to destroy them, but also the very sight might kill them through fear.

21 即使没有牠们，因你一口气，埃及人也会死亡，因你正义的追击，他们必为你大能的气息所卷去；但你处置一切，原有一定的尺度、数目和衡量。

21 Yea and without these, they might have been slain with one blast, persecuted by their own deeds, and scattered by the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered all things in measure, and number, and weight.

22 你随时可用你的大能，有谁能抵抗你有力的手臂？

22 For great power always belonged to thee alone: and who shall resist the strength of thy arm?

23 整个世界，在你跟前，宛如天秤上的一粒尘沙，落在地面上的一滴朝露。

23 For the whole world before thee is as the least grain of the balance, and as a drop of the morning dew, that falleth down upon the earth:

24 但是，你怜悯众生，因为你是无所不能的，你假装看不见人罪，是为叫罪人悔改。

24 But thou hast mercy upon all, because thou canst do all things, and overlookest the sins of men for the sake of repentance.

25 的确，你爱一切所有，不恨你所造的；如果你憎恨什么，你必不会造它。

25 For thou lovest all things that are, and hatest none of the things which thou hast made: for thou didst not appoint, or make any thing hating it.

26 如果你不愿意，甚么东西能够存在？如果你不吩咐，甚么东西能够保全？

26 And how could any thing endure, if thou wouldst not? or be preserved, if not called by thee.

27 爱护众灵的主宰！只有你爱惜万物，因为都是你的。

27 But thou sparest all: because they are thine, O Lord, who lovest souls.

章节 12

Chapter 12

1 你那不死不灭的生气在万物之内；

1 how good and sweet is thy spirit, O Lord, in all things!

2 因此，你逐步地惩罚堕落的人，要他们想起所犯的罪恶，藉以警告他们离弃恶事，相信你，上主。

2 And therefore thou chastisest them that err, by little and little: and admonishest them, and speakest to them, concerning the things wherein they offend: that leaving their wickedness, they may believe in thee, O Lord.

3 你憎恨你圣地里的古代居民，

3 For those ancient inhabitants of thy holy land, whom thou didst abhor,

4 因为他们操行巫术和邪恶的祭祀，作出了最可憎恶的事。

4 Because they did works hateful to thee by their sorceries, and wicked sacrifices,

5 这些无情杀害婴儿的人，在这些拜神的歌舞筵会中，吞食人血肉的人，

5 And those merciless murderers of their own children, and eaters of men's bowels, and devourers of blood from the midst of thy consecration,

6 这些杀害无能力自卫生灵的父母，你决意要藉我们先祖的手，将他们消灭，

6 And those parents sacrificing with their own hands helpless souls, it was thy will to destroy by the hands of our parents,

7 使你以为地上最宝贵的地方，成为天主子民相宜的侨居地。

7 That the land which of all is most dear to thee might receive a worthy colony of the children of God.

8 但你也拿他们当人对待，先派土蜂作你军队的先锋，逐渐将他们消灭。

8 Yet even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send wasps, forerunners of thy host, to destroy them by little and little.

9 这并不是因为你不能用一场战争，使不虔敬者屈服于义人之下；或用凶猛的野兽，或用严厉的言语，一下将他们歼灭；

9 Not that thou wast unable to bring the wicked under the just by war, or by cruel beasts, or with one rough word to destroy them at once:

10 而是因你愿逐渐降罚，给他们一个悔改的机会；并不是你不知道他们的种族不良，生来邪恶，永不会改变心意；

10 But executing thy judgments by degrees thou gavest them place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were a wicked generation, and their malice natural, and that their thought could never be changed.

11 因为他们从起初，就是被诅咒的后裔。你没有降罚他们的罪行，并非因为你怕谁。

11 For it was a cursed seed from the beginning: neither didst thou for fear of any one give pardon to their sins.

12 谁敢对你说：你作了什么？谁能反抗你的判断？你消灭了你造的民族，谁敢控告你？又谁敢起来面对着你，为恶人作辩护？

12 For who shall say to thee: What hast thou done? or who shall withstand thy judgment? or who shall come before thee to be a revenger of wicked men? or who shall accuse thee, if the nations perish, which thou hast made?

13 因为，除你以外，别无照顾万物的神，你应向他指明你的审判，并非不公；

13 For there is no other God but thou, who hast care of all, that thou shouldst shew that thou dost not give judgment unjustly.

14 也没有一个君王或君主，敢为你惩罚的人，对你怒目而视。

14 Neither shall king, nor tyrant in thy sight inquire about them whom thou hast destroyed.

15 你是公义的，你必按照公义处理一切，罚不应罚的，你必认为这与你的权威不合。

15 For so much then as thou art just, thou orderest all things justly: thinking it not agreeable to thy power, to condemn him who deserveth not to be punished.

16 你的权力原是你公义的本源，因为你主宰一切，所以你必能谅解一切。

16 For thy power is the beginning of justice: and because thou art Lord of all, thou makest thyself gracious to all.

17 为此，如果有人不相信你具有绝对的权威，你就将你的权力显示出来；如果他们知道而仍胆大妄为，你就予以惩罚。

17 For thou shewest thy power, when men will not believe thee to be absolute in power, and thou convincest the boldness of them that know thee not.

18 你虽掌有大权，但施行审判，却很温和，治理我们，极其宽忍，因为，权能乃属于你，只要你愿意，你就能行使。

18 But thou being master of power, judgest with tranquillity; and with great favour disposest of us: for thy power is at hand when thou wilt.

19 你这样作，是为教训你的子民，义人必须怜爱众人；并使你的子女满怀希望，因为人在犯罪之后，你常赐予忏悔的机会。

19 But thou hast taught thy people by such works, that they must be just and humane, and hast made thy children to be of a good hope: because in judging thou givest place for repentance for sins.

20 你处罚你子女们应处死的敌人，还这样小心温和，给他们时间和机会改恶迁善，

20 For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy servants, and that deserved to die, with so great deliberation, giving them time and place whereby they might be changed from their wickedness:

21 你审判你的儿子时，岂不更谨慎？因为，你曾与他们的列祖起过誓，立过约，应许他们得福利。

21 With what circumspection hast thou judged thy own children, to whose parents thou hast sworn and made covenants of good promises?

22 你对我们只是惩戒，对我们的仇人却是千百倍的鞭笞：这是为使我们在审断时，应思念你的仁慈；在受审时，应期望你的哀怜。

22 Therefore whereas thou chastisest us, thou scourgest our enemies very many ways, to the end that when we judge we may think on thy goodness: and when we are judged, we may hope for thy mercy.

23 因此，对那生活愚蠢，行为不义的人，你便用他们敬拜的丑恶之物来折磨他们。

23 Wherefore thou hast also greatly tormented them who in their life have lived foolishly and unjustly, by the same things which they worshipped.

24 他们实在深深地误入了歧途，竟认最丑怪，最下贱的禽兽为神，让自己受骗，竟如无知的孩童。

24 For they went astray for a long time in the ways of error, holding those things for gods which are the most worthless among beasts, living after the manner of children without understanding.

25 因此，你对待他们也像无知的孩童，给他们派来的刑罚，也只是戏弄。

25 Therefore thou hast sent a judgment upon them as senseless children to mock them.

26 但他们并未因此戏弄的责戒而悔改，所以他们要受相称于天主的重罚。

26 But they that were not amended by mockeries and reprehensions, experienced the worthy judgment of God.

27 埃及人在禽兽的折磨中，有见他们所敬奉为神明的禽兽，成了自己受罚的工具，这才明了，并承认从前所否认的实是真天主；但他们仍不肯悔改，因此，最后的惩罚终于降在他们身上。

27 For seeing with indignation that they suffered by those very things which they took for gods, when they were destroyed by the same, they acknowledged him the true God, whom in time past they denied that they knew: for which cause the end also of their condemnation came upon them.

章节 13

Chapter 13

1 凡不认识天主的人，都是真正的愚人，因为，他们未能从看得见的美物，去发现那自有者；注意了工程，却不认识工程师；

1 But all men are vain, in whom there is not the knowledge of God: and who by these good things that are seen, could not understand him that is, neither by attending to the works have acknowledged who was the workman:

2 反而认火、风、流动的空气、运转的星辰、洪流的巨涛、天上的光体，为统治世界的神。

2 But have imagined either the fire, or the wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the great water, or the sun and moon, to be the gods that rule the world.

3 如果有人因这些东西的美丽而着迷，奉之为神；那么，他们就应知道：这些美物的主宰更是美丽，因为，全是美丽的唯一根源所创造的。

3 With whose beauty, if they, being delighted, took them to be gods: let them know how much the Lord of them is more beautiful than they: for the first author of beauty made all those things.

4 如果有人惊奇这些东西的力量和效能，就应明白：创造这些东西的更有能力；

4 Or if they admired their power and their effects, let them understand by them, that he that made them, is mightier than they:

5 因为，从受造物的伟大和美丽，人可以推想到这些东西的创造者。

5 For by the greatness of the beauty, and of the creature, the creator of them may be seen, so as to be known thereby.

6 不过，这种人的罪尚较轻微，因为，他们寻找天主，也有意找到，却一时误入了迷途；

6 But yet as to these they are less to be blamed. For they perhaps err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.

7 这或许是由于他们所见的世物实在美丽，因此在专务研究他的工程时，只追求外表；

7 For being conversant among his works, they search: and they are persuaded that the things are good which are seen.

8 但他们仍然不能推辞无过；

8 But then again they are not to be pardoned.

9 因为他们既然能知道的如此渊博，甚至能探究宇宙，为什么不能及早发现这些东西的主宰？

9 For if they were able to know so much as to make a judgment of the world: how did they not more easily find out the Lord thereof?

10 有些人真是可怜！他们竟将希望寄于死东西上，竟称人的手工、金银和艺术的创作、动物的肖像、或古人雕刻的无用石的为神。

10 But unhappy are they, and their hope is among the dead, who have called gods the works of the hands of men, gold and silver, the inventions of art, and the resemblances of beasts, or an unprofitable stone the work of an ancient hand.

11 设想：有个木匠，锯来一棵适用的树木，精巧地剥净树皮，熟练地施展技巧，制成一件日常生活的用具；

11 Or if an artist, a carpenter, hath cut down a tree proper for his use in the wood, and skilfully taken off all the bark thereof, and with his art, diligently formeth a vessel profitable for the common uses of life,

12 以后用工作剩余的碎木，煮饭充饥；

12 And useth the chips of his work to dress his meat:

13 后来由那些剩下一无所用的废木中，取出一块弯曲多疤的木头，在闲暇无事时，辛勤地加以雕刻，本着自己熟悉的手艺，按图样将它刻成一个人像，

13 And taking what was left thereof, which is good for nothing, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, carveth it diligently when he hath nothing else to do, and by the skill of his art fashioneth it and maketh it like the image of a man:

14 或做成一个卑贱的兽像，涂上丹砂，将外皮漆成红色，遮住一切疤痕；

14 Or the resemblance of some beast, laying it over with vermillion, and painting it red, and covering every spot that is in it:

15 随后，为它做一个适宜的居所，把它嵌在墙上，用钉子钉住，

15 And maketh a convenient dwelling place for it, and setting it in a wall, and fastening it with iron,

16 预先加以照顾，免得它掉下来，因为他知道：这件东西是不能自助的，不过只是偶像，需要人来扶助。

16 Providing for it, lest it should fall, knowing that it is unable to help itself: for it is an image, and hath need of help.

17 但是，他反不感羞耻地向这无灵之物祷告，祈赐财富、妻室和子嗣；

17 And then maketh prayer to it, inquiring concerning his substance, and his children, or his marriage. And he is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no life:

18 向这虚弱的东西，要求健康；向这死物，要求生命；向这无能的东西，要求援助；

18 And for health he maketh suspplication to the weak, and for life prayeth to that which is dead, and for help calleth upon that which is unprofitable:

19 向这有脚不能行的东西，要求旅行；向这有手而毫无动作的东西，要求发财、工作、事业成功的力量。

19 And for a good journey he petitioneth him that cannot walk: and for getting, and for working, and for the event of all things he asketh him that is unable to do any thing.

章节 14

Chapter 14

1 再如：有个准备航海的人，行将在怒涛中航行之际，竟向一块比自己乘的船还易坏的木头呼求。

1 Again, another designing to sail, and beginning to make his voyage through the raging waves, calleth upon a piece of wood more frail than the wood that carrieth him.

2 船固然是因求财的贪心发明的，亦是匠人以智慧造成的；

2 For this the desire of gain devised, and the workman built it by his skill.

3 但最后，父啊！还是你的照顾在驾驶，因为原是你在海洋中划出了一条路线，在波浪中开辟了一条安全的路径，

3 But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou hast made a way even in the sea, and a most sure path among the waves,

4 表示你能救人脱离各种危险，连没有技术的人，也能航海。

4 Shewing that thou art able to save out of all things, yea though a man went to sea without art.

5 你决不愿使你智慧的工作弃之不用，因此，人将生命托给一片小木，藉一叶扁舟，经过巨涛而平安到达海岸。

5 But that the works of thy wisdom might not be idle: therefore men also trust their lives even to a little wood, and passing over the sea by ship are saved.

6 其实，在当初，当那些傲慢的巨人被灭绝的时候，世界的希望逃入了一叶扁舟，经你手的驾驶，才得给后世留下了新生的苗裔。

6 And from the beginning also when the proud giants perished, the hope of the world fleeing to a vessel, which was governed by thy hand, left to the world seed of generation.

7 木头如使用得当，是可祝福的；

7 For blessed is the wood, by which justice cometh.

8 但是，人手造的木偶和木偶的制造者，却是可诅咒的：制造者，因为他造了木偶；木偶，因为虽是腐败的东西，竟被称为神。

8 But the idol that is made by hands, is cursed, as well it, as he that made it: he because he made it; and it because being frail it is called a god.

9 不虔敬的人，与他行的不虔敬的事，同样为天主所憎恶；

9 But to God the wicked and his wickedness are hateful alike.

10 所以，木偶与造木偶的，都必遭受惩罚。

10 For that which is made, together with him that made it, shall suffer torments.

11 为此，天主必要惩罚列邦的偶像，因为偶像在天主的造物中，成了可憎之物，成了人们灵魂的障碍，作了愚人脚前的陷阱。

11 Therefore there shall be no respect had even to the idols of the Gentiles: because the creatures of God are turned to an abomination, and a temptation to the souls of men, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.

12 发明偶像，是淫乱的开端；创造偶像，是人生的腐败。

12 For the beginning of fornication is the devising of idols: and the invention of them is the corruption of life.

13 起初原无偶像，也不能永久长存；

13 For neither were they from the beginning, neither shall they be for ever.

14 由于人的虚荣心，偶像才进入了世界；为此，已注定很快就要结束。

14 For by the vanity of men they came into the world: and therefore they shall be found to come shortly to an end.

15 一个父亲因他儿子的夭折，甚为悲伤，遂为自己早死的儿子立像，他虽是已死的人，如今却敬之如神，并传令家属礼拜献祭。

15 For a father being afflicted with bitter grief, made to himself the image of his son who was quickly taken away: and him who then had died as a man, he began now to worship as a god, and appointed him rites and sacrifices among his servants.

16 这种不虔敬的事，相沿日久，便成了习俗，以致守如法律；再加上君王的命令，彫像遂受崇拜。

16 Then in process of time, wicked custom prevailing, this error was kept as a law, and statues were worshipped by the commandment of tyrants.

17 住在远方的人，不能当面尊敬国王，便由远方设想君王的相貌，为所要尊敬的君王，制造一座可见的肖像，向那不在跟前的，殷勤献媚，如同就在跟前一样。

17 And those whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt far off, they brought their resemblance from afar, and made an express image of the king whom they had a mind to honour: that by this their diligence, they might honour as present, him that was absent.

18 艺术家的野心，把那些不认识君王的人，也都诱来，为扩大这项敬礼；

18 And to worshipping of these, the singular diligence also of the artificer helped to set forward the ignorant.

19 艺术家原为讨有权威者的欢心，就竭力运用自己的技术，使君王的肖像格外美丽；

19 For he being willing to please him that employed him, laboured with all his art to make the resemblance in the best manner.

20 民众受了这精美手工的吸引，不久以前那当人尊敬的，现在却奉之为神了。

20 And the multitude of men, carried away by the beauty of the work, took him now for a god that a little before was but honoured as a man.

21 这便成了人生的隐祸，因为遭受不幸，或受暴君压迫的人们，将「那不可道出的名字，」加给了木石。

21 And this was the occasion of deceiving human life: for men serving either their affection, or their kings, gave the incommunicable name to stones and wood.

22 他们对天主的认识错到如此地步，还以为不足；甚至愚昧使他们生活在强烈的战斗中，还将这样的大祸，称为和平。

22 And it was not enough for them to err about the knowledge of God, but whereas they lived in a great war of ignorance, they call so many and so great evils peace.

23 因他们祭杀孩童，或举行秘密祭礼，或仪式怪诞的狂欢宴会。

23 For either they sacrifice their own children, or use hidden sacrifices, or keep watches full of madness,

24 谁也不顾及生活与婚姻的纯洁，遂彼此陷害残杀，以奸淫加害于人。

24 So that now they neither keep life, nor marriage undefiled, but one killeth another through envy, or grieveth him by adultery:

25 于是，混乱到处丛生：流血、杀人、盗窃、欺骗、缺德、失信、暴乱、违约、

25 And all things are mingled together, blood, murder, theft and dissimulation, corruption and unfaithfulness, tumults and perjury, disquieting of the good,

26 陷害忠良、忘恩负义、玷辱灵魂、同性淫乱、婚姻混杂、通奸淫乱。

26 Forgetfulness of God, defiling of souls, changing of nature, disorder in marriage, and the irregularity of adultery and uncleaness.

27 崇拜虚无的偶像，实是万恶的起源、由来和结局。

27 For the worship of abominable idols is the cause, and the beginning and end of all evil.

28 这些人行乐发狂，预言虚妄，生活邪辟，妄发虚誓，

28 For either they are mad when they are merry: or they prophesy lies, or they live unjustly, or easily forswear themselves.

29 因为他们信赖无生命的偶像，自以为妄发虚誓，不会受罚。

29 For whilst they trust in idols, which are without life, though they swear amiss, they look not to be hurt.

30 但是，正为了这两件事，他们必受公义的处罚：因对天主没有正确的认识，因而崇拜偶像；又因诡计多端，妄发虚誓，因而轻视圣洁。

30 But for two things they shall be justly punished, because they have thought not well of God, giving heed to idols, and have sworn unjustly, in guile despising justice.

31 因为，那常追击不义者违法行为的，并不是「赖以发誓者」的力量，而是天主对犯罪者的惩罚。

31 For it is not the power of them, by whom they swear, but the just vengeance of sinners always punisheth the transgression of the unjust.

章节 15

Chapter 15

1 至于你，我们的天主，你是良善的，忠实的，宽容的，以慈爱治理万有。

1 But thou, our God, art gracious and true, patient, and ordering all things in mercy.

2 我们即使犯了罪，仍是你的，因为我们承认你的主权；我们既承认我们原属于你，我们就不再犯罪了。

2 For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy greatness: and if we sin not, we know that we are counted with thee.

3 实在，认识你就是完美的正义；承认你的主权，就是不死不灭的根源。

3 For to know thee is perfect justice: and to know thy justice, and thy power, is the root of immortality.

4 为此，人邪恶的创作，画家无益的作品，各式各色的画图，都没有使我们误入迷途；

4 For the invention of mischievous men hath not deceived us, nor the shadow of a picture, a fruitless labour, a graven figure with divers colours,

5 不过，愚人一见这些画像，就大动情欲，贪恋这些无灵的死像。

5 The sight whereof enticeth the fool to lust after it, and he loveth the lifeless figure of a dead image.

6 凡制造、爱慕、恭敬偶像的，实是邪恶的情人，只堪将希望寄于无灵之物。

6 The lovers of evil things deserve to have no better things to trust in, both they that make them, and they that love them,and they that worship them.

7 有个陶人用力抟软泥，制成各种器皿，以供我们使用；但是，他可用同样的泥土，做成为洁净事用的器皿，同样，也可做成为卑污事用的器皿；至于，每件作何用途，皆由陶人断定。

7 The potter also tempering soft earth, with labour fashioneth every vessel for our service, and of the same clay he maketh both vessels that are for clean uses, and likewise such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of these vessels, the potter is the judge.

8 后来，他竟枉费心机，将同样的泥土，揑成一个虚无的神像，不想自己不久以前，原是由土造成的；不久以后，天主向他索还灵魂时，还要归于土。

8 And of the same clay by a vain labour he maketh a god: he who a little before was made of earth himself, and a little after returneth to the same out of which he was taken, when his life which was lent him shall be called for again.

9 他并不想死亡将至，生命短促，只图与金匠银匠竞争，仿效铜匠，以制造虚伪之物为荣。

9 But his care is, not that he shall labour, nor that his life is short, but he striveth with the goldsmiths and silversmiths: and he endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it a glory to make vain things.

10 他的心已如死灰，他的希望比尘埃还卑微，他的生命比泥土更卑贱。

10 For his heart is ashes, and his hope vain earth, and his life more base than clay:

11 因为，他竟不知是谁创造了他，是谁赋给了他一个行动的灵魂，是谁向他吹了生命的气息。

11 Forasmuch as he knew not his maker and him that inspired into him the soul that worketh, and that breathed into him a living spirit.

12 他反将我们的生命视为儿戏，将此生看作惟利是图的市场，说：「人必须用各样的方法，甚至利用不义的手段，获得利润。」

12 Yea and they have counted our life a pastime, and the business of life to be gain, and that we must be getting every way, even out of evil.

13 凡用泥料制造易破的器皿和偶像的，应比其他一切人更清楚知道自己犯了罪。

13 For that man knoweth that he offendeth above all others, who of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels, and graven gods.

14 但是，最愚蠢，比婴儿还可怜的，还是那些仇视并虐待你百姓的人。

14 But all the enemies of thy people that hold them in subjection, are foolish, and unhappy, and proud beyond measure:

15 他们将异邦人所有的偶像都看作神明；这些神明有眼不能看，有鼻不能喘气，有耳不能听，有手不能摸，有脚不能行，

15 For they have esteemed all the idols of the heathens for gods, which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle, and as for their feet, they are slow to walk.

16 因为都是人的作品，是那由天主借得气息的人所捏造的，实在没有一人能造出一个与自己相似的神；

16 For man made them: and he that borroweth his own breath, fashioned them. For no man can make a god like to himself.

17 有死的人，只能用邪恶的手造出死像，他本人原胜过他所崇拜的东西，因为他尚有生命，这些东西却从来没有。

17 For being mortal himself, he formeth a dead thing with his wicked hands. For he is better than they whom he worshippeth, because he indeed hath lived, though he were mortal, but they never.

18 此外，他们竟然还敬拜那些最可憎恶的动物，因为，这些动物与其他动物相比，更为愚笨。

18 Moreover they worship also the vilest creatures: but things without sense compared to these, are worse than they.

19 再就其为动物而言，也并不美丽，或值得人爱，只是些不得天主赞赏和祝福的东西。

19 Yea, neither by sight can any man see good of these beasts. But they have fled from the praise of God, and from his blessing.

章节 16

Chapter 16

1 因此，天主用同样的动物来惩罚他们，使他们受许多动物的残害，很为适当。

1 For these things, and by the like things to these, they were worthily punished, and were destroyed by a multitude of beasts.

2 正与此惩罚相反，你却恩待了你的百姓，为满足他们的食欲；给他们预备了珍奇的美味──鹌鹑，当作食物。

2 Instead of which punishment, dealing well with thy people, thou gavest them their desire of delicious food, of a new taste, preparing for them quails for their meat:

3 那些想进食的埃及人，一看见上主遣来的丑陋的动物，连原有的食欲都失去了；至于你的百姓，虽遭受了片时的饥饿，却分享了奇异的美味。

3 To the end that they indeed desiring food, by means of those things that were shewn and sent among them, might loathe even that which was necessary to satisfy their desire. But these, after suffering want for a short time, tasted a new meat.

4 因为，埃及人残忍无道，理应遭受难挨的饥饿；至于你的百姓受饿，只是为叫他们明白，他们的仇敌受了如何的痛苦。

4 For it was requisite that inevitable destruction should come upon them that exercised tyranny: but to these it should only be shewn how their enemies were destroyed.

5 以色列人固然也受到了猛兽的残害，和毒蛇的咬伤；

5 For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these, they were destroyed with the bitings of crooked serpents.

6 但你的愤怒并没有坚持到底，只不过是为警戒他们，使他们暂时惊惶，获得救援的标记，好想起你的法令；

6 But thy wrath endured not for ever, but they were troubled for a short time for their correction, having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.

7 凡转向这标记的，并不是因着所瞻望的记号得救，而是因着你，万民的救主。

7 For he that turned to it, was not healed by that which he saw, but by thee the Saviour of all.

8 借此，你向我们的仇敌证明：是你救人脱免一切灾祸；

8 And in this thou didst shew to our enemies, that thou art he who deliverest from all evil.

9 因为蝗虫和苍蝇咬死了他们，却没有医治他们生命的方法，因为他们理应遭受这样的刑罚。

9 For the bitings of locusts, and of flies killed them, and there was found no remedy for their life: because they were worthy to be destroyed by such things.

10 但是你的子民，却没有为毒蛇的牙所制胜：这是因为你的仁慈前来救助，治好了他们。

10 But not even the teeth of venomous serpents overcame thy children: for thy mercy came and healed them.

11 他们被咬后，即刻获治，是要他们记念你的话，免得他们深深遗忘，而不注意你的仁慈。

11 For they were examined for the remembrance of thy words, and were quickly healed, lest falling into deep forgetfulness, they might not be able to use thy help.

12 医好他们的，并不是草乐，也不是膏药，上主，而是你那治好一切的话。

12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster that healed them, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.

13 因为，是你掌握生死的大权，引人下入阴府的门，而又领回。

13 For it is thou, O Lord, that hast power of life and death, and leadest down to the gates of death, and bringest back again:

14 人固然可以因邪恶而杀人，却不能使已离去的神魂再回来，也不能解救一个被囚在阴府中的灵魂。

14 A man indeed killeth through malice, and when the spirit is gone forth, it shall not return, neither shall he call back the soul that is received:

15 逃出你的掌握，那是不可能的。

15 But it is impossible to escape thy hand.

16 为此，那不肯承认你的败类，遭受了你大力手臂的打击，受那罕有的大雨、冰雹与无情暴雨的袭击，并为火所毁灭。

16 For the wicked that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thy arm, being persecuted by strange waters, and hail, and rain, and consumed by fire.

17 最堪惊奇的，是在能熄灭一切的水中，火燄反而更为炽烈，因为世界都为义人而战：

17 And which was wonderful, in water, which extinguisheth all things, the fire had more force: for the world fighteth for the just.

18 有时火势缓和，免得烧掉那些为对付不虔敬的人所派来的野兽，令他们见了，自知难逃天主正义的追击；

18 For at one time, the fire was mitigated, that the beasts which were sent against the wicked might not be burned, but that they might see and perceive that they were persecuted by the judgment of God.

19 有时火在水中反烧得异常炽烈，为烧尽毁灭不义之田的出产。

19 And at another time the fire, above its own power, burned in the midst of water, to destroy the fruits of a wicked land.

20 相反地，你用天神之粮，养育了你的子民；他们不必操劳，你从天上给他们降下了现成的食粮，具有各种美味，适合各人的口味。

20 Instead of which things thou didst feed thy people with the food of angels, and gavest them bread from heaven prepared without labour; having in it all that is delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.

21 你赐予的食粮，合乎取食者的嗜好，随着人的愿望而变化，这表明你对待儿女如何恩爱。

21 For thy sustenance shewed thy sweetness to thy children, and serving every man's will, it was turned to what every man liked.

22 雪和冰遇着火并不融化，这是使他们知道：为毁灭仇敌的收获，火曾在冰雹中炽燃，在雨水中闪烁；

22 But snow and ice endured the force of fire, and melted not: that they might know that fire burning in the hail and flashing in the rain destroyed the fruits of the enemies.

23 但为养育义人，火却忘记了自己的本能。

23 But this same again, that the just might be nourished, did even forget its own strength.

24 实在，在受造物都服从你，自己的造主，致力惩罚不义的人，恩待信赖你的人。

24 For the creature serving thee the Creator, is made fierce against the unjust for their punishment; and abateth its strength for the benefit of them that trust in thee.

25 因此，「玛纳」就依照你那养育众人的恩宠，起种种变化，来适应需求者的愿望，

25 Therefore even then it was transformed into all things, and was obedient to thy grace that nourisheth all, according to the will of them that desired it of thee.

26 为使你所爱的子女们知道：上主，养育世人的，不是各种果食，而是你的言语，保全了信赖你的人。

26 That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovedst, might know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth men, but thy word preseveth them that believe in thee:

27 因为，火所不能烧毁的，因着温和的一线阳光，立即融化，

27 For that which could not be destroyed by fire, being warmed with a little sunbeam presently melted away:

28 使人知道：在太阳没有升起以前，就应赞颂你；在曙光破晓时分，就该祈求你；

28 That it might be known to all, that we ought to prevent the sun to bless thee, and adore thee at the dawning of the light.

29 因为，不知恩者的希望，就如冬天的霜，势必消溶，逝去有如无用的流水。

29 For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's ice, and shall run off as unprofitable water.

章节 17

Chapter 17

1 上主，你的裁判的确高深难明，因此，不愿受教的灵魂走入了迷途。

1 For thy judgments, O Lord, are great, and thy words cannot be expressed: therefore undisciplined souls have erred.

2 不法的人自以为能压服圣民，反而被黑暗所束缚，为长夜所桎梏，囚禁在斗室中，被弃于永远照顾之外。

2 For while the wicked thought to be able to have dominion over the holy nation, they themselves being fettered with the bonds of darkness, and a long night, shut up in their houses, lay there exiled from the eternal providence.

3 他们原想在人不留意的黑幕下，可以掩藏隐密的罪恶，自己反为黑暗所侵袭，大起恐慌为鬼怪所惊扰，

3 And while they thought to lie hid in their obscure sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly afraid and troubled with exceeding great astonishment.

4 以致连掩护他们的内室，也不能保护他们不受惊惶，使人恐怖的声音环绕在他们四周，哭丧著脸的忧戚怪物，出现在他们面前。

4 For neither did the den that held them, keep them from fear: for noises coming down troubled them, and sad visions appearing to them, affrighted them.

5 火没有一点能力供给他们光亮，星辰的光辉，也无法照明这可怕的黑夜，

5 And no power of fire could give them light, neither could the bright flames of the stars enlighten that horrible night.

6 只有忽然自动燃起的极为可怕的火炬，显示给他们，吓得他们不知所措；在幻像不见之后，他们幻想之所见，比所见的实物更为可怕。

6 But there appeared to them a sudden fire, very dreadful: and being struck with the fear of that face, which was not seen, they thought the things which they saw to be worse:

7 他们的邪术尽失效力，他们夸耀的学识，全蒙耻受辱：

7 And the delusions of their magic art were put down, and their boasting of wisdom was reproachfully rebuked.

8 他们曾应许，为患精神病者驱除恐惧与慌乱，自己却患了可笑的胆怯病；

8 For they who promised to drive away fears and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of a fear worthy to be laughed at.

9 即使没有可怕的事来恐吓，连走兽经过，或毒蛇嗤嗤一声，他们也大为惊慌，吓得魂不附体，以致连这无可逃避的空气也不愿再看。

9 For though no terrible thing disturbed them: yet being scared with the passing by of beasts, and hissing of serpents, they died for fear: and denying that they saw the air, which could by no means be avoided.

10 邪恶的心本来就胆怯，自证自己有罪，受着天良的催迫，时常向坏处着想。

10 For whereas wickedness is fearful, it beareth witness of its condemnation: for a troubled conscience always forecasteth grievous things.

11 恐惧不是别的，只是将理性的助力，弃而不用；

11 For fear is nothing else but a yielding up of the succours from thought.

12 人对内心的依赖越薄弱，越难明了遇难的原因。

12 And while there is less expectation from within, the greater doth it count the ignorance of that cause which bringeth the torment.

13 在那来自毫无生力的阴府深处，使人无法工作的黑夜里，仍照样去睡觉的人，

13 But they that during that night, in which nothing could be done, and which came upon them from the lowest and deepest hell, slept the same sleep.

14 有的因魑魅的怪状而惊惶，有的因心志绝望而沮丧，因为，突然而意外的惊惧，忽临到他们身上。

14 Were sometimes molested with the fear of monsters, sometimes fainted away, their soul failing them: for a sudden and unlooked for fear was come upon them.

15 因此，不拘谁倒在那里，就在那里被囚，幽禁在没有铁闩的囹圄中；

15 Moreover if any of them had fallen down, he was kept shut up in prison without irons.

16 不论他是农夫，或是牧人，或是在偏僻乡野操作的工人，都得骤然忍受这不可逃避的厄运，因为人人都被一条黑暗的锁链束缚住了；

16 For if any one were a husbandman, or a shepherd, or a labourer in the field, and was suddenly overtaken, he endured a necessity from which he could not fly.

17 不论是呼啸的风声，或是密枝间鸟雀的吱喳叫声，或是溪水的急流声，

17 For they were all bound together with one chain of darkness. Whether it were a whistling wind, or the melodious voice of birds, among the spreading branches of trees, or a fall of water running down with violence,

18 或是岩石崩裂的强烈响声，或是走兽就隐约的跳跃声，或是猛兽的吼叫声，或是山谷间的响彻回声，都能使他们胆战心惊。

18 Or the mighty noise of stones tumbling down, or the running that could not be seen of beasts playing together, or the roaring voice of wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the highest mountains: these things made them to swoon for fear.

19 其时，整个世界正为辉煌的光明所照耀，进行工作毫无阻碍；

19 For the whole world was enlightened with a clear light, and none were hindered in their labours.

20 沉重的黑暗，只笼罩着他们，这是未来要接收他们的黑暗的预像；其实，他们为他们自己，比黑暗还更为沈重。

20 But over them only was spread a heavy night, an image of that darkness which was to come upon them. But they were to themselves more grievous than the darkness.

章节 18

Chapter 18

1 至于你的圣徒，却有极大的光明。埃及人只听见他们的声音，却看不见他们的面容，遂宣称那没有遭受痛苦的为有福，

1 But thy saints had a very great light, and they heard their voice indeed, but did not see their shape. And because they also did not suffer the same things, they glorified thee:

2 对他们表示感激，因他们虽受虐待，却不图报复，求他们宽恕以往的敌对行为。

2 And they that before had been wronged, gave thanks, because they were not hurt now: and asked this gift, that there might be a difference.

3 正与黑暗相反，你赐给了圣徒火柱，在他们不熟识的路上作向导，在光荣的旅途中作不为害的太阳。

3 Therefore they received a burning pillar of fire for a guide of the way which they knew not, and thou gavest them a harmless sun of a good entertainment.

4 埃及人理当失掉光明，遭受黑暗的拘禁，因为他们曾拘留过你的子民；正是这些子民想将法律不灭的光明传到普世。

4 The others indeed were worthy to be deprived of light, and imprisoned in darkness, who kept thy children shut up, by whom the pure light of the law was to be given to the world.

5 他们决意要杀尽圣徒的婴儿时，有一个被弃的婴儿竟然得救；为惩罚他们，你夺去了他们许多婴儿，又将他们一齐淹没在大水之中。

5 And whereas they thought to kill the babes of the just, one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou tookest away a multitude of their children, and destroyedst them all together in a mighty water.

6 我们的祖先预先得知了那一夜的事，甚而确实知道自己所相信的誓言多么可靠，因此都心安神乐。

6 For that night was known before by our fathers, that assuredly knowing what oaths they had trusted to, they might be of better courage.

7 所以，你的子民所期待的，就是义人的救援，和仇人的灭亡。

7 So thy people received the salvation of the just, and destruction of the unjust.

8 你用什么方法惩罚了仇敌，也用什么方法光荣了我们，为召叫我们归向你。

8 For as thou didst punish the adversaries: so thou didst also encourage and glorify us.

9 善人的圣洁子孙，都在暗中献了祭，同心立定了神圣的盟约，为使圣徒们同甘共苦，同唱了列祖的赞美歌曲。

9 For the just children of good men were offering sacrifice secretly, and they unanimously ordered a law of justice: that the just should receive both good and evil alike, singing now the praises of the fathers.

10 敌人混乱的喊声，从对面响起，到处发出哀悼孩儿的悲鸣。

10 But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies, and a lamentable mourning was heard for the children that were bewailed.

11 主人与仆人，同受一样的惩罚；庶民与王公，共遭一样的苦难。

11 And the servant suffered the same punishment as the master, and a common man suffered in like manner as the king.

12 他们一时都遇到同样的死亡，死了无数的人；以致活人的数目不足以埋葬死人，因为，他们最宝贵的后裔，倾刻之间，都已灭亡。

12 So all alike had innumerable dead, with one kind of death. Neither were the living sufficient to bury them; for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.

13 那些操行邪术，什么也不相信的人，因着长子的丧亡，才承认这民族是天主的儿子。

13 For whereas they would not believe any thing before by reason of the enchantments, then first upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged the people to be of God.

14 万籁俱寂，黑夜已奔驰一半路程时，

14 For while all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course,

15 你全能的圣言，在天上的王座，如无情的战士，降到这应毁灭的地上，

15 Thy almighty word leapt down from heaven from thy royal throne, as a fierce conqueror into the midst of the land of destruction.

16 带着你不可收回的成命当作利剑，上触高天，下踏大地，立在那里，使各处充满死亡。

16 With a sharp sword carrying thy unfeigned commandment, and he stood and filled all things with death, and standing on the earth reached even to heaven.

17 立时可怕的梦境扰乱他们，想不到的恐惧，临到他们身上，

17 Then suddenly visions of evil dreams troubled them, and fears unlooked for came upon them.

18 都半死半活的一个倒在这里，一个跌在那里，宣布他们死亡的原因；

18 And one thrown here, another there, half dead, shewed the cause of his death.

19 因为那些惊吓他们的恶梦，已预先通知了他们，免得他们死了，还不知道自己究竟为什么遭了难。

19 For the visions that troubled them foreshewed these things, lest they should perish and not know why they suffered these evils.

20 义人也尝试过死亡的折磨，有许多人，在荒野里，也遭受过灾殃；但天主的怒气并没有持久，

20 But the just also were afterwards touched by an assault of death, and there was a disturbance of the multitude in the wilderness: but thy wrath did not long continue.

21 因为无可指摘的人，迅速出头，代为庇护，以自己的职责作盾牌，用祈祷和赎罪的馨香，阻止了天主的愤怒，使灾难停止，显示出他是你的仆人。

21 For a blameless man made haste to pray for the people, bringing forth the shield of his ministry, prayer, and by incense making supplication, withstood the wrath, and put an end to the calamity, shewing that he was thy servant.

22 他平息了灾祸，并不是由于体力，或武器的威能，而是提起上主与祖先所发的誓，所立的约，以言语说服了刑罚人的上主。

22 And he overcame the disturbance, not by strength of body nor with force of arms, but with a word he subdued him that punished them, alleging the oaths and covenant made with the fathers.

23 那时，死人枕藉成堆，他站在当中，拦阻了怒气，中断了死亡向活人延及的路线。

23 For when they were now fallen down dead by heaps one upon another, he stood between and stayed the assault, and cut off the way to the living.

24 因为，在他的长衣上，带有整个的世界；在四行宝石上，刻着祖先的荣耀；在他头戴的冠冕上，嵌有你的尊威。

24 For in the priestly robe which he wore, was the whole world: and in the four rows of the stones the glory of the fathers was graven, and thy majesty was written upon the diadem of his head.

25 施行毁灭者，对这些礼服表示让步，表示敬畏；只一试怒就够了。

25 And to these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for the proof only of wrath was enough.

章节 19

Chapter 19

1 但是，毫无怜悯的忿怒，必降在不虔敬的人身上，直到发泄完毕，因为天主预先知道他们将作的事：

1 But as to the wicked, even to the end there came upon them wrath without mercy. For he knew before also what they would do:

2 在允许以色列离开，催促他们快快上路之后，又必改变心意前去追赶。

2 For when they had given them leave to depart, and had sent them away with great care, they repented, and pursued after them.

3 实在，埃及人还在哀悼，还在死者坟上悲伤的时候，又定了另一个愚蠢的主意：要追赶自己以前要求离去的人，有如逃亡的人。

3 For whilst they were yet mourning, and lamenting at the graves of the dead, they took up another foolish device: and pursued them as fugitives whom they had pressed to be gone:

4 应得的报应，使他们糊涂到这种地步，竟然忘记了已经遭遇的事，使自己备受以前未曾受到的刑罚。

4 For a necessity, of which they were worthy, brought them to this end: and they lost the remembrance of those things which had happened, that their punishment might fill up what was wanting to their torments:

5 即当你的子民走过奇异的道路时，他们遭遇了骇人听闻的死亡。

5 And that thy people might wonderfully pass through, but they might find a new death.

6 因此那时，各样的受造物，按自己的本性，再重新受造，遵从你的命令，护卫你的子女，不受伤害。

6 For every creature according to its kind was fashioned again as from the beginning, obeying thy commandments, that thy children might be kept without hurt.

7 于是有云彩遮蔽营幕，先前有水的地方，露出旱地，红海里开出一条无阻的道路，巨涛中出现了一片青草地，

7 For a cloud overshadowed their camp, and where water was before, dry land appeared, and in the Red Sea a way without hinderance, and out of the great deep a springing field:

8 你的全体百姓，在你亲手掩护之下，由那里经过，看到了神奇的异蹟。

8 Through which all the nation passed which was protected with thy hand, seeing thy miracles and wonders.

9 他们有如牧场上牧放的小马，跳跃有如羔羊，赞美你，拯救他们的上主。

9 For they fed on their food like horses, and they skipped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.

10 因为，他们还记得自己侨居在异地时发生的事：代替畜牲，地上怎样产生了蚊子；代替鱼，河里怎样生出了成群的蛤蟆。

10 For they were yet mindful of those things which had been done in the time of their sojourning, how the ground brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.

11 以后，他们大动食欲，要求精美的食物时，又见到了新奇出生的飞鸟：

11 And at length they saw a new generation of birds, when being led by their appetite they asked for delicate meats.

12 为使他们满足，从海上飞来了鹌鹑。

12 For to satisfy their desire, the quail came up to them from the sea: and punishments came upon the sinners, not without foregoing signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness.

13 至于对罪人，却降下了刑罚，事先原已用猛烈的雷电警告过他们；他们因自己的邪恶而遭受痛苦，实是理所当然的，因为埃及人分外苛刻地憎恨了旅客。

13 For they exercised a more detestable inhospitality than any: others indeed received not strangers unknown to them, but these brought their guests into bondage that had deserved well of them.

14 索多玛人，只不过不接待初到的陌生客人，而埃及人却将施惠的宾客充作奴隶。

14 And not only so, but in another respect also they were worse: for the others against their will received the strangers.

15 不仅如此，而且对索多玛人还可予以宽恕，因为他们只不过对外人表示敌意；

15 But these grievously afflicted them whom they had received with joy, and who lived under the same laws.

16 可是埃及人曾举行宴会，接待了你的人民，在他们久已获享同等的权利之后，却又用苦役来磨难他们。

16 But they were struck with blindness: as those others were at the doors of the just man, when they were covered with sudden darkness, and every one sought the passage of his own door.

17 为此，埃及人也如在义人门前的索多玛人一样，受了眼瞎的惩罚，一时被浓厚的黑暗包围，各自找寻自己的门路。

17 For while the elements are changed in themselves, as in an instrument the sound of the quality is changed, yet all keep their sound: which may clearly be perceived by the very sight.

18 各种元素的本质互相调换，就如琴瑟的五声，互相交换，而总不改变原音；这从观察过去的事上，明明可以见到。

18 For the things of the land were turned into things of the water: and the things before swam in the water passed upon the land.

19 陆地上的动物变成了水里的；游泳的动物却在旱地上游行；

19 The fire had power in water above its own virtue, and the water forgot its quenching nature.

20 火在水中更加强了自己的能力，水也忘了自己灭火的本能。火燄不烧毁那行走在火里，本容易毁灭的走兽的肉体，也不溶化那本如冰块，易于溶化的天粮。的确，上主，你用各种方法显扬光荣了你的子民，从不忽略随时随地加以保护。

20 On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of corruptible animals walking therein, neither did they melt that good food, which was apt to melt as ice. For in all things thou didst magnify thy people, O Lord, and didst honour them, and didst not despise them, but didst assist them at all times, and in every place.