PRAYER OF JESUS SON OF SIRACHThis title is included in the Gk text.

1I give you thanks, O Lord and King,

and praise you, O God my Saviour.

I give thanks to your name,

2for you have been my protector and helper

and have delivered me 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 3and 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,

4from choking fire on every side,

and from the midst of fire that I had not kindled,

5from the deep belly of Hades,

from an unclean tongue and lying words—

6the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king.

My soul drew near to death,

and my life was on the brink of Hades below.

7They surrounded me on every side,

and there was no one to help me;

I looked for human assistance,

and there was none.

8Then I remembered your mercy, O Lord,

and your kindness51.8 Other ancient authorities read work from of old,

for you rescue those who wait for you

and save them from the hand of their enemies.

9And I sent up my prayer from the earth,

and begged for rescue from death.

10I cried out, ‘Lord, you are my Father;51.10 Heb: Gk the Father of my lord

do not forsake me in the days of trouble,

when there is no help against the proud.

11I will praise your name continually,

and will sing hymns of thanksgiving.’

My prayer was heard,

12for 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.

Hebrew adds:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the God of praises,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the guardian of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who formed all things,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the redeemer of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who rebuilt his city and his sanctuary,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who makes a horn to sprout for the house of David,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who has chosen the sons of Zadok to be priests,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the shield of Abraham,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the rock of Isaac,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the mighty one of Jacob,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings,

for his steadfast love endures for ever;

He has raised up a horn for his people,

praise for all his loyal ones.

For the children of Israel, the people close to him.

Praise the LORD!

Autobiographical Poem on Wisdom

13While I was still young, before I went on my travels,

I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.

14Before the temple I asked for her,

and I will search for her until the end.

15From the first blossom to the ripening grape

my heart delighted in her;

my foot walked on the straight path;

from my youth I followed her steps.

16I inclined my ear a little and received her,

and I found for myself much instruction.

17I made progress in her;

to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

18For I resolved to live according to wisdom,51.18 Gk her

and I was zealous for the good,

and I shall never be disappointed.

19My soul grappled with wisdom,51.19 Gk her

and in my conduct I was strict;51.19 Meaning of Gk uncertain

I spread out my hands to the heavens,

and lamented my ignorance of her.

20I directed my soul to her,

and in purity I found her.

With her I gained understanding from the first;

therefore I will never be forsaken.

21My heart was stirred to seek her;

therefore I have gained a prize possession.

22The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward,

and I will praise him with it.

23Draw near to me, you who are uneducated,

and lodge in the house of instruction.

24Why do you say you are lacking in these things,51.24 Cn Compare Heb Syr: Meaning of Gk uncertain

and why do you endure such great thirst?

25I opened my mouth and said,

Acquire wisdom51.25 Heb: Gk lacks wisdom for yourselves without money.

26Put your neck under her51.26 Heb: other ancient authorities read the yoke,

and let your souls receive instruction;

it is to be found close by.

27See with your own eyes that I have laboured but little

and found for myself much serenity.

28Hear but a little of my instruction,

and through me you will acquire silver and gold.51.28 Syr Compare Heb: Gk Get instruction with a large sum of silver, and you will gain by it much gold.

29May your soul rejoice in God's51.29 Gk his mercy,

and may you never be ashamed to praise him.

30Do your work in good time,

and in his own time God51.30 Gk he will give you your reward.