Font Size
Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:12-14
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:12-14
New Catholic Bible
12 For this reason, I thank you and I praise you;
I bless the name of the Lord.[a]
Invitation to Wisdom[b]
13 While I was still young, before I set off on my travels,
I openly sought wisdom in my prayers.
14 Outside the temple I prayed for her,
and I will seek her until my death.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:12 After verse 12, the Hebrew adds the following psalm of praise:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of praises,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Guardian of Israel,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Creator of all things,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Redeemer of Israel,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to him who rebuilt his city and his sanctuary,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to him who causes a horn to sprout for the house of David,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to him who has chosen the sons of Zadok to serve as priests,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Shield of Abraham,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Rock of Isaac,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the Mighty One of Jacob,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion,
for his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings,
for his mercy endures forever.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful ones.
For the children of Israel, the people close to him,
praise the Lord! - Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:13 At the end of the wisdom literature, it is good to reread this last text. The search for a good life and right thinking is a work that demands one’s whole existence. The road seems long and arduous, but it is a road to happiness. Thus, the author invites his readers to become his companions in wisdom.
