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The Search for Wisdom and Her Blessings[a]

20 Happy those who meditate on Wisdom,
    and fix their gaze on knowledge;(A)
21 Who ponder her ways in their heart,
    and understand her paths;
22 Who pursue her like a scout,
    and watch at her entry way;
23 Who peep through her windows,
    and listen at her doors;
24 Who encamp near her house
    and fasten their tent pegs next to her walls;
25 Who pitch their tent beside her,
    and dwell in a good place;[b]
26 [c]Who build their nest in her leaves,
    and lodge in her branches;
27 Who take refuge from the heat in her shade
    and dwell in her home.

Chapter 15

Whoever fears the Lord will do this;
    whoever is practiced in the Law will come to Wisdom.
She will meet him like a mother;
    like a young bride she will receive him,
[d]She will feed him with the bread of learning,
    and give him the water of understanding to drink.(B)
He will lean upon her and not fall;
    he will trust in her and not be put to shame.
She will exalt him above his neighbors,
    and in the assembly she will make him eloquent.
Joy and gladness he will find,
    and an everlasting name he will inherit.(C)

Footnotes

  1. 14:20–15:10 This poem charts the growing intimacy between those seeking Wisdom and Wisdom herself. They move from static reflection to playful pursuit, from camping outside the walls of her house to nesting inside her leafy shade. Ben Sira portrays Wisdom as both mother and bride, a feminine figure who is the fullness of womanhood according to his androcentric society.
  2. 14:25 In a good place: i.e., where Wisdom dwells.
  3. 14:26–27 The shift in imagery creates a more intimate relationship. Those seeking Wisdom dwell within her as a bird nests within a leafy tree.
  4. 15:3–6 In this role reversal Woman Wisdom teaches, nourishes, supports, and protects the vulnerable man. For similar imagery cf. Prv 8:4–21, 34–35; 9:1–5; 31:10–31.