Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 51
Sirach 51:1 I give you
thanks, O Lord and King;
I praise you as my God and Savior.
I give you thanks,
Sirach
51:2 for you have helped me and protected me.
You have rescued me from death,
from dangerous lies and slander.
Sirach 51:3 You helped
me when no one else would;
in your great mercy you saved me
from the many troubles I have known:
from the glaring hatred of my enemies,
who wanted to put an end to my life;
Sirach 51:4 from
suffocation in oppressive smoke
rising from fires that I did not light;
Sirach 51:5 from death
itself;
from vicious slander reported to the king.
Sirach 51:6 I was once brought face to face to the king.
Sirach
51:7 enemies surrounded me everywhere.
I looked for someone to help me,
but there was no one there.
Sirach 51:8 But then, O
Lord, I remembered how merciful you are
and what you had done in times past.
I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you,
that you save them from their enemies.
Sirach 51:9 Then from
here on earth I prayed to you
to rescue me from death.
Sirach 51:10 I prayed,
"O Lord, you are my father;
do not abandon me to my troubles
when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.
Sirach 51:11 I will
always praise you
and sing hymns of thanksgiving."
You answered my prayer,
Sirach
51:12 and saved me from the threat of destruction.
And so I thank you and praise you.
O Lord, I praise you!
Sirach 51:13 When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom.
Sirach 51:14 I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.
Sirach 51:15 From my blossoming youth to my ripe old age she has been my delight. I have followed directly in her path ever since I was young.
Sirach 51:16 I received Wisdom as soon as I began listening for her, and I have been rewarded with great knowledge.
Sirach 51:17 I have always been a learner and am grateful to everyone who has been my teacher.
Sirach 51:18 I was determined to live wisely and was devoted to the cause of goodness. I have no regrets.
Sirach 51:19 I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct. When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell.
Sirach 51:20 But I was determined to have her, and I found her by keeping myself free from sin. I have grown in Wisdom since first I found her, and I will never be without her.
Sirach 51:21 Because I was driven by the desire to find her, I have been richly rewarded.
Sirach 51:22 The Lord gave me a gift for words, and I have used it in his praise.
Sirach 51:23 Come to me, all you that need instruction, and learn in my school.
Sirach 51:24 Why do you admit that you are ignorant and do nothing about it?
Sirach 51:25 Here is what I say: It cost nothing to be wise.
Sirach 51:26 Put on the yoke, and be willing to learn. The opportunity is always near.
Sirach 51:27 See for yourselves! I have really not studied very hard, but I have found great contentment.
Sirach 51:28 No matter how much it costs you to get Wisdom, it will be well worth it.
Sirach 51:29 Be joyfully grateful for the Lord's mercy, and never be ashamed to praise him.
Sirach 51:30 Do your duty at the proper time, and the Lord, at the time he thinks proper, will give you your reward.