Sirach 51:2–12

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English

²for you have been my protector and helper

and have delivered my body from destruction

and from the trap laid by a slanderous tongue,

from lips that fabricate lies.

In the face of my adversaries,

you have been my helper^* ³and delivered me,

in the greatness of your mercy and of your name,

from grinding teeth about to devour me,

from the hand of those seeking my life,

from the many troubles I endured,^*

⁴from choking fire on every side,

and from the midst of fire that I had not kindled,^*

⁵from the deep belly of Hades,

from an unclean tongue and lying words,^*

⁶the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king.

My soul drew near to death,

and my life was on the brink of Hades below.^*

⁷They surrounded me on every side,

and there was no one to help me.

I looked for human assistance,

and there was none.^*

⁸Then I remembered your mercy, O Lord,

and your kindness^o from of old,

for you rescue those who wait for you

and save them from the hand of their enemies.

⁹And I sent up my prayer from the earth

and begged for rescue from death.

¹⁰I cried out, “Lord, you are my Father;^p

do not forsake me in the days of trouble,

when there is no help against the proud.^*

¹¹I will praise your name continually

and will sing hymns of thanksgiving.”

My prayer was heard,

¹²for you saved me from destruction

and rescued me in time of trouble.

For this reason I thank you and praise you,

and I bless the name of the Lord.