Sirach 51

1I will praise you, God of my salvation; I will give thanks to you, God of my father. I will declare your name, the stronghold of my life, for you have redeemed my soul from death.

2I give thanks to your name, for you became my shelter and my helper.

3from the snare of those watching for my stumbling, and from the hand of those seeking my life. You saved me from many troubles, and from the distress of a flame all around.

4from a choking fire all around, and from the midst of a fire that I did not kindle.

5from lips of wickedness and from those who smear lies, and from the arrows of a deceitful tongue.

6My soul came near to death, and my life to the depths of Sheol.

7I turned around, and there was no one to help me; I looked for support, and there was none.

8And I remembered the mercies of Yahweh, and his acts of covenant faithfulness from of old, who delivers those who take refuge in him, and redeems them from every evil.

9And I raised my voice from the earth, and from the gates of Sheol I cried out.

10And I will exalt you: O Yahweh, you are my Father, for you are the mighty one of my salvation. Do not let me grow weak in the day of distress, in the day of ruin and desolation.

11Then Yahweh heard my voice, and listened to my supplications.

12For he redeemed me from every evil, and delivered me in the day of trouble.

13I was young, and I loved wisdom; I desired her and sought her out. In faithfulness my foot walked; from my youth, O Lord, I learned wisdom.

14I prayed for her in my youth, and I found much knowledge.

15From her blossom, like a ripening cluster of grapes, my heart rejoiced in her; my foot walked in uprightness; from my youth I tracked her down.

16I inclined my ear a little and received it, and I found much instruction for myself.

17In her I made progress, and I will give glory to the one who gives me wisdom.

18I planned to improve my way, and I will not turn back, for I will find it.

19My soul clung to her, and I did not turn my face away from her.

20I gave my soul after her, and for everlasting ages I will not turn away from her. In purity I found her, and from the beginning I acquired a heart for her.

21My inward parts burned like an oven as I looked toward her; therefore I will not forsake her.

22Yahweh has given me the reward of my lips; therefore I acquired her as a good possession.

23Turn to me, you who are simple, and lodge in the house of my instruction.

24How long will you lack these things, while your soul is very thirsty?

25I opened my mouth and spoke of her: acquire wisdom for yourselves without silver.

26Bring your neck under her yoke, and let your soul bear her burden. She is near to those who seek her, and the one who gives himself finds her.

27See with your own eyes that I was young, and I stood by her and found her.

28Many heard my instruction in my youth, and they acquired silver and gold by me.

29May my soul rejoice in my old age, and may you not be put to shame by my song.

30Do your work in righteousness, and he will give you your reward in its time. Blessed is Yahweh forever, and praised is his name from generation to generation.