Sirach 2:1-11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Duties toward God
2 My child, when you come to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for testing.[a](A)
2 Set your heart right and be steadfast,
and do not be impetuous in time of calamity.
3 Cling to him and do not depart,
so that your last days may be prosperous.
4 Accept whatever befalls you,
and in times of humiliation be patient.
5 For gold is tested in the fire,
and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation.[b](B)
6 Trust in him, and he will help you;
make your ways straight and hope in him.(C)
7 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy;
do not stray, or else you may fall.(D)
8 You who fear the Lord, trust in him,
and your reward will not be lost.(E)
9 You who fear the Lord, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.[c]
10 Consider the generations of old and see:
Has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed?
Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord[d] and been forsaken?
Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected?(F)
11 For the Lord is compassionate and merciful;
he forgives sins and saves in time of distress.(G)
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.