Sirach 4:11-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Rewards of Wisdom
11 Wisdom teaches[a] her children
and takes hold of those who seek her.(A)
12 Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her from early morning will be filled with joy.(B)
13 Whoever holds her fast inherits glory,
and the Lord blesses the place she[b] enters.(C)
14 Those who serve her minister to the Holy One;
the Lord loves those who love her.
15 Whoever obeys her will judge the nations,
and whoever listens to her will live securely.
16 If they remain faithful, they will inherit her;
their descendants will also obtain her.
17 For at first she will walk with them in disguise;
she will bring fear and dread upon them
and will torment them by her discipline
until she trusts them,[c]
and she will test them with her ordinances.(D)
18 Then she will come straight back to them again and gladden them
and will reveal her secrets to them.
19 If they go astray, she will forsake them
and hand them over to their ruin.
20 Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil,
and do not be ashamed to be yourself.(E)
21 For there is a shame that leads to sin,
and there is a shame that is glory and favor.(F)
22 Do not show partiality to your own harm
or deference to your downfall.(G)
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment,[d]
and do not hide your wisdom.[e](H)
24 For wisdom becomes known through speech
and education through the words of the tongue.
25 Never speak against the truth,
but be ashamed of your ignorance.
26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins,
and do not try to stop the current of a river.(I)
27 Do not subject yourself to a fool
or show partiality to a ruler.(J)
28 Fight to the death for truth,
and the Lord God will fight for you.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.