Sirach 51:18-20

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁸ For I resolved to live according to wisdom,^[a]
    and I was zealous for the good;
    and I shall never be put to shame.
¹⁹ My soul grappled with wisdom,^[b]
    and in my conduct I was strict;^[c]
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^[d] with her from the first,
    therefore I will not be forsaken.