Sirach 6:18-37

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²³ Listen, my child, and accept my judgment;
    do not reject my counsel.
²⁴ Put your feet into her fetters,
    and your neck into her collar.
²⁵ Bend your shoulders and carry her,
    and do not fret under her bonds.
²⁶ Come to her with all your soul,
    and keep her ways with all your might.
²⁷ Search out and seek, and she will become known to you;
    and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
²⁸ For at last you will find the rest she gives,
    and she will be changed into joy for you.
²⁹ Then her fetters will become for you a strong defense,
    and her collar a glorious robe.
³⁰ Her yoke^[a] is a golden ornament,
    and her bonds a purple cord.
³¹ You will wear her like a glorious robe,
    and put her on like a splendid crown.^[b]

³² If you are willing, my child, you can be disciplined,
    and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
³³ If you love to listen you will gain knowledge,
    and if you pay attention you will become wise.
³⁴ Stand in the company of the elders.
    Who is wise? Attach yourself to such a one.
³⁵ Be ready to listen to every godly discourse,
    and let no wise proverbs escape you.
³⁶ If you see an intelligent person, rise early to visit him;
    let your foot wear out his doorstep.
³⁷ Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,
    and meditate at all times on his commandments.
It is he who will give insight to^[c] your mind,
    and your desire for wisdom will be granted.