Sirach 51:23-30
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 Draw near to me, you who are uneducated,
and lodge in the house of instruction.(A)
24 Why do you say you are lacking in these things,[a]
and why do you endure such great thirst?
25 I opened my mouth and said,
“Acquire wisdom[b] for yourselves without money.(B)
26 “Put your neck under her[c] yoke,
and let your souls receive instruction;
it is to be found close by.”(C)
27 See with your own eyes that I have labored but little
and found for myself much serenity.
28 Hear but a little of my instruction,
and through me you will acquire silver and gold.[d](D)
29 May your soul rejoice in God’s[e] mercy,
and may you never be ashamed to praise him.
30 Do your work in good time,
and in his own time God[f] will give you your reward.(E)
Sirach 51:23-30
Good News Translation
23 Come to me, all you that need instruction, and learn in my school. 24 Why do you admit that you are ignorant and do nothing about it? 25 Here is what I say: It costs nothing to be wise. 26 Put on the yoke, and be willing to learn. The opportunity is always near. 27 See for yourselves! I have really not studied very hard, but I have found great contentment. 28 No matter how much it costs you to get Wisdom, it will be well worth it. 29 Be joyfully grateful for the Lord's mercy, and never be ashamed to praise him. 30 Do your duty at the proper time, and the Lord, at the time he thinks proper, will give you your reward.
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Sirach 51:23-30
Common English Bible
23 Draw near to me,
you who lack education,
and stay in my school.
24 Why are you still lacking in these things;
why do you[a] thirst for this?
25 I opened my mouth and said,
“Acquire[b] her for yourselves
without money.
26 Place your neck under her yoke,
and let your soul
receive instruction.
It is found close at hand.”
27 See for yourselves that I have labored
a little,
and I have found much rest for myself.
28 Invest in your education
with a great amount of silver,
and with it you will acquire much gold.[c]
29 May your whole being take delight
in God’s mercy,
and may you never be ashamed
when you praise him.
30 Accomplish your work in good time,
and he will give you your reward
in his time.
Footnotes
- Sirach 51:24 Or your soul
- Sirach 51:25 Heb adds Wisdom.
- Sirach 51:28 Heb Listen to a little of my instruction, and you will acquire silver and gold through me.
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.
Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible.
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible