Sirach 51:2-12

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²     for you have been my protector and helper
and have delivered my body from destruction
    and from the trap laid by a slanderous tongue,
    from lips that fabricate lies.
In the face of my adversaries,
you have been my helper^{(A) 3}     and delivered me,
    in the greatness of your mercy and of your name,
from grinding teeth about to devour me,
    from the hand of those seeking my life,
    from the many troubles I endured,^(B)
4 from choking fire on every side,
    and from the midst of fire that I had not kindled,^(C)
5 from the deep belly of Hades,
    from an unclean tongue and lying words,^(D)
6     the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king.
My soul drew near to death,
    and my life was on the brink of Hades below.^(E)
7 They surrounded me on every side,
    and there was no one to help me.
I looked for human assistance,
    and there was none.^(F)
8 Then I remembered your mercy, O Lord,
    and your kindness^[a] from of old,
for you rescue those who wait for you
    and save them from the hand of their enemies.
⁹ And I sent up my prayer from the earth
    and begged for rescue from death.
¹⁰ I cried out, “Lord, you are my Father;^[b]
    do not forsake me in the days of trouble,
    when there is no help against the proud.^(G)
11 I will praise your name continually
    and will sing hymns of thanksgiving.”
My prayer was heard,
¹²     for you saved me from destruction
    and rescued me in time of trouble.
For this reason I thank you and praise you,
    and I bless the name of the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.