Sirach 51:13–30

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 to the last.

¹⁵From blossom to ripening grape

my heart delighted in her;

my foot entered upon 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 therein;

to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

¹⁸For I resolved to live according to wisdom,

and I was zealous for the good;

and I shall never be put to shame.

¹⁹My soul grappled with wisdom,

and in my conduct I was strict;

I spread out my hands to the heavens,

and lamented my ignorance of her.

²⁰I directed my soul to her,

and through purification I found her.

I gained understanding with her from the first,

therefore I will not be forsaken.

²¹My heart was stirred to seek her,

therefore I have gained a good possession.

²²The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward,

and I will praise him with it.

²³Draw near to me, you who are untaught,

and lodge in my school.

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

and why are your souls very thirsty?

²⁵I opened my mouth and said,

Get these things for yourselves without money.

²⁶Put your neck under the yoke,

and let your souls receive instruction;

it is to be found close by.

²⁷See with your eyes that I have labored little

and found myself much rest.

²⁸Get instruction with a large sum of silver,

and you will gain by it much gold.

²⁹May your soul rejoice in his mercy,

and may you not be put to shame when you praise him.

³⁰Do your work before the appointed time,

and in God’s time he will give you your reward.