Sirach 51:13–30

Autobiographical Poem on Wisdom

¹³While I was still young, before I went on my travels,

I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.^*

¹⁴Before the temple I asked for her,

and I will search for her until the end.

¹⁵From the first blossom to the ripening grape,

my heart delighted in her;

my foot walked on the straight path;

from my youth I followed her steps.^*

¹⁶I inclined my ear a little and received her,

and I found for myself much instruction.

¹⁷I made progress in her;

to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

¹⁸For I resolved to practice wisdom,^q

and I was zealous for the good,

and I shall never be disappointed.

¹⁹My soul grappled with wisdom,^r

and in my conduct I was strict.^s

I spread out my hands to the heavens

and lamented my ignorance of her.

²⁰I directed my soul to her,

and in purity I found her.

With her I gained understanding from the first;

therefore I will never be forsaken.^*

²¹My heart was stirred to seek her;

therefore I have gained a prize possession.

²²The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward,

and I will praise him with it.^*

²³Draw near to me, you who are uneducated,

and lodge in the house of instruction.^*

²⁴Why do you say you are lacking in these things,^t

and why do you endure such great thirst?

²⁵I opened my mouth and said,

“Acquire wisdom^u for yourselves without money.^*

²⁶“Put your neck under her^v yoke,

and let your souls receive instruction;

it is to be found close by.”^*

²⁷See with your own eyes that I have labored but little

and found for myself much serenity.

²⁸Hear but a little of my instruction,

and through me you will acquire silver and gold.^w*

²⁹May your soul rejoice in God’s^x mercy,

and may you never be ashamed to praise him.

³⁰Do your work in good time,

and in his own time God^y will give you your reward.^*