Sirach 51:11-22

Revised Standard Version

¹¹ I will praise thy name continually,
    and will sing praise with thanksgiving.
My prayer was heard,
¹²     for thou didst save me from destruction
    and rescue me from an evil plight.
Therefore I will give thanks to thee and praise thee,
    and I will bless the name of the Lord.

¹³ While I was still young, before I went on my travels,
    I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
¹⁴ Before the temple I asked for her,
    and I will search for her to the last.
¹⁵ From blossom to^[a] ripening grape
    my heart delighted in her;
my foot entered upon the straight path;
    from my youth I followed her steps.
¹⁶ I inclined my ear a little and received her,
    and I found for myself much instruction.
¹⁷ I made progress therein;
    to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
¹⁸ For I resolved to live according to wisdom,^[b]
    and I was zealous for the good;
    and I shall never be put to shame.
¹⁹ My soul grappled with wisdom,^[c]
    and in my conduct I was strict;^[d]
I spread out my hands to the heavens,
    and lamented my ignorance of her.
²⁰ I directed my soul to her,
    and through purification I found her.
I gained understanding^[e] with her from the first,
    therefore I will not be forsaken.
²¹ My heart was stirred to seek her,
    therefore I have gained a good possession.
²² The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward,
    and I will praise him with it.