Sirach 18:23
King James VersionSource notes
“Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.”
Context
20Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.
21Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.
22Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.
23Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.
24Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.
25When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.
26From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.