Sirach 51

1 I will thank you, Lord and King, and praise you, God, the one who rescues me. I give thanks to your name,

2 because you became my protector and helper. You ransomed my body from destruction, from the trap of a slanderous tongue, and from lips that produce lies. You became my helper against my opponents and ransomed me

3 according to your abundant mercy and the greatness of your name—from teeth ready to devour me, from the hands of those seeking my life, and from the many afflictions I endured;

4 from the choking fire all around and from inside a fire I did not kindle;

5 from the depth of Hades’ belly, from an unclean tongue, and from lying words.

6 Because an unrighteous tongue accused me to the king, my soul drew near to death, and my life came close to Hades below.

7 They surrounded me on every side, and no one helped me. I looked for human support, but there was none.

8 Then I remembered your mercy, Lord, and your work from long ago: you rescue those who wait for you and save them from the hands of enemies.

9 I raised my plea from the earth and prayed to be rescued from death.

10 I called on the Lord, Father of my lord, not to abandon me in days of affliction, in a time of arrogant attacks when there was no help. I will continually praise your name and sing to you with thanksgiving.

11 My plea was heard, for you saved me from destruction and rescued me from an evil time.

12 Therefore I will thank and praise you, and I will bless the Lord’s name.

13 While I was still young, before I wandered, I openly sought wisdom in my prayer.

14 I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her to the end.

15 From blossom until the grape ripened, my heart delighted in her. My foot traveled a straight path; from my youth I followed her tracks.

16 I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found abundant instruction for myself.

17 I advanced through her, so I will give glory to the one who gives me wisdom.

18 I resolved to practice her instruction, pursued what is good, and will never be ashamed.

19 My soul struggled for her, and I was precise in practicing the law. I stretched my hands toward heaven and mourned what I did not know about her.

20 I directed my soul toward her and found her through purity. From the beginning I gained a heart joined to her; therefore I will never be abandoned.

21 My inner being was stirred as I sought her, and so I gained a good possession.

22 The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward, and with it I will praise him.

23 Draw near to me, you who lack instruction, and lodge in a house of instruction.

24 Why do you say that you lack these things while your souls are so thirsty?

25 I opened my mouth and said, “Acquire wisdom for yourselves without money.

26 Put your neck under her yoke, and let your soul receive instruction. She is near and can be found.

27 See with your own eyes that I have labored only a little and found great rest for myself.

28 Take instruction, even at the cost of much silver, and gain much gold through her.

29 May your soul rejoice in his mercy, and do not be ashamed to praise him.

30 Do your work before its proper time, and at his time he will give you your reward.”