Sirach 51 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 51Prayer of Jesus Son of Sirach

1 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.

10

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,

12

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of praises,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the guardian of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who formed all things,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the redeemer of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

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

for his steadfast love endures forever.

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

for his steadfast love endures forever.

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

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the shield of Abraham,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the rock of Isaac,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the mighty one of Jacob,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

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

13

and I was zealous for the good,

and I shall never be disappointed.

19My soul grappled with wisdom,

and in my conduct I was strict.

I spread out my hands to the heavens

and lamented my ignorance of her.

20

and why do you endure such great thirst?

25 for yourselves without money.

26 yoke,

and let your souls receive instruction;

it is to be found close by.”

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

and found for myself much serenity.

28

29May your soul rejoice in God’s mercy,

and may you never be ashamed to praise him.

30 will give you your reward.