Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:18-20

New Catholic Bible

¹⁸ I resolved to put into practice what I had learned;
    I earnestly pursued goodness, and I will never be put to shame.
¹⁹ With all my strength I strove to possess wisdom,
    and I was scrupulous in keeping the law.
I stretched out my hands on high
    and lamented how little I really knew of her.
²⁰ I set my heart on possessing wisdom,
    and by keeping myself pure I found her.
With her I gained understanding immediately;
    therefore, I will never be forsaken.