Sirach 51:16–27

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.