Sirach 51:12-27

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

Give thanks to the God of praises,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the guardian of Israel,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who formed all things,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the redeemer of Israel,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who rebuilt his city and his sanctuary,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who makes a horn to sprout for the house of David,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who has chosen the sons of Zadok to be priests,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the shield of Abraham,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the rock of Isaac,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the mighty one of Jacob,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings,
    for his steadfast love endures for ever;

He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his loyal ones.

For the children of Israel, the people close to him.
    Praise the Lord!

¹⁵ From the first blossom to the ripening grape
    my heart delighted in her;
my foot walked on the straight path;
    from my youth I followed her steps.

¹⁶ I inclined my ear a little and received her,
    and I found for myself much instruction.
¹⁷ I made progress in her;
    to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

¹⁸ For I resolved to live according to wisdom,^[a]
    and I was zealous for the good,
    and I shall never be disappointed.
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 in purity I found her.

With her I gained understanding from the first;
    therefore I will never be forsaken.
²¹ My heart was stirred to seek her;
    therefore I have gained a prize possession.
²² The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward,
    and I will praise him with it.

²³ Draw near to me, you who are uneducated,
    and lodge in the house of instruction.
²⁴ Why do you say you are lacking in these things,^[d]
    and why do you endure such great thirst?
²⁵ I opened my mouth and said,
    Acquire wisdom^[e] for yourselves without money.

²⁶ Put your neck under her^[f] yoke,
    and let your souls receive instruction;
    it is to be found close by.

²⁷ See with your own eyes that I have laboured but little
    and found for myself much serenity.