Sirach 51:2-4

Common English Bible

²     because you have been
    my protector and helper.
    You have rescued my body
    from destruction,
        from the trap set
        by a slanderous tongue,
        from lips that fabricate lies.
In the presence of those who stood around me,
³ you were my helper.
    In line with your abundant mercy
    and your great name,
    you rescued me from grinding teeth prepared to devour me,
    from the power of those
    who wanted to take my life,
    from the many troubles that I have had,
⁴     from choking fire all around me,
    from the midst of a fire
    that I didn’t start,