A Psalm of Thanks
Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 1. I will give thanks to You, O Lord and King, And I will praise You as my God and Savior. I give thanks to Your name. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 2. For You have been my protector and helper, And You redeemed my body from destruction And from the snare of a slanderous tongue, From the lips of those who work falsehood. And before all those who stood by, You were a helper, And You redeemed me, Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 3. According to Your great mercy and Your name, From being devoured as one prepared for food At the hands of those who sought my soul; From many afflictions that I endured, Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 4. From suffocation by an encircling fire, And from the midst of a fire I did not start; Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 5. From the depths of the belly of Hades And from the tongue of the unclean and the word of a liar— Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 6. The slander of an unrighteous tongue before the king. My soul drew near unto death, And my life was near Hades below. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 7. They surrounded me on all sides, And there was no one to help me. I looked for the help of men, but there was none. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 8. Then I remembered Your mercy, O Lord, And Your work which is from of old, For You lift up those who wait upon You, And You save them from the hand of their enemies. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 9. I sent up my supplication from the earth And prayed about the instability caused by death. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 10. I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, That He might not forsake me in the days of affliction, When I am helpless against the arrogant. I will praise Your name continually, And I will sing a hymn with thanksgiving. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 11. My prayer was heard, For You saved me from destruction And rescued me from a time of evil. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 12. Therefore I will thank and praise You, And I will bless the name of the Lord.
Striving for Wisdom
Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 13. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my pray er. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 14. Before the temple I prayed about her, And I will search for her to the end of my life. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 15. From blossoms to ripening grapes, My heart rejoiced in her. My foot embarked on her righteous path, And from my youth I hunted for her. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 16. I inclined my ear a little and received her. I found much instruction for myself. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 17. There was progress for me in her. To Him who gives me wisdom, I will give glory. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 18. For I purposed to practice wisdom; And I was zealous for the good And was not put to shame. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 19. My soul strove earnestly for her, And I examined myself closely in my performance of the law. I stretched out my hands to the heights And mourned my ignorance of her. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 20. I directed my soul to her, And in purification I found her. I acquired a heart for her from the beginning; Therefore, I was not forsaken. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 21. My heart was stirred to search for her, And therefore I gained a good possession. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 22. The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward, And I will praise Him with it. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 23. Draw near to me, untaught ones, And lodge in my school. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 24. Why do you say that you are lacking in these things, Yet you let your souls thirst exceedingly? Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 25. I opened my mouth and said, “Gain wisdom for yourselves without money. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 26. Place your neck under her yoke, And let your soul receive her instruction. She is near that you might find her. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 27. See with your own eyes that I labored little, But found much rest for myself. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 28. Partake of instruction with a great amount of silver, And gain much gold with it. Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 29. May your soul be gladdened by His mercy, And may you not be put to shame when you praise Him! Wisdom of Sirach 51, verse 30. Do your work before the appointed time, And He will give you your reward in His appointed time.”