Sirach 51

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life propped up the house, and in his days fortified the temple.	1 I give you thanks, O God of my father; I praise you, O God my savior! I will make known your name, refuge of my life;
2 By him also the height of the temple was founded, the double building and the high walls of the temple.	2 you have been my helper against my adversaries. You have saved me from death, and kept back my body from the pit, From the clutches of the nether world you have snatched my feet;
3 In his days the wells of water flowed out, and they were filled as the sea above measure.	3 you have delivered me, in your great mercy From the scourge of a slanderous tongue, and from lips that went over to falsehood; From the snare of those who watched for my downfall, and from the power of those who sought my life; From many a danger you have saved me,
4 He took care of his nation, and delivered it from destruction.	4 from flames that hemmed me in on every side; From the midst of unremitting fire,
5 He prevailed to enlarge the city, and obtained glory in his conversation with the people: and enlarged the entrance of the house and the court.	5 From the deep belly of the nether world; From deceiving lips and painters of lies,
6 He shone in his days as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full.	6 from the arrows of dishonest tongues. I was at the point of death, my soul was nearing the depths of the nether world;
7 And as the sun when it shineth, so did he shine in the temple of God.	7 I turned every way, but there was no one to help me, I looked for one to sustain me, but could find no one.
8 And as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds, and as the flower of roses in the days of the spring, and as the lilies that are on the brink of the water, and as the sweet smelling frankincense in the time of summer.	8 But then I remembered the mercies of the LORD, his kindness through ages past; For he saves those who take refuge in him, and rescues them from every evil.
9 As a bright Are, and frankincense burning in the fire.	9 So I raised my voice from the very earth, from the gates of the nether world, my cry.
10 As a massy vessel of gold, adorned with every precious stone.	10 I called out: O Lord, you are my father, you are my champion and my savior; Do not abandon me in time of trouble, in the midst of storms and dangers.
11 As an olive tree budding forth, and a cypress tree rearing itself on high, when he put on the robe of glory, and was clothed with the perfection of power.	11 I will ever praise your name and be constant in my prayers to you. Thereupon the LORD heard my voice, he listened to my appeal;
12 When he went up to the holy altar, he honoured the vesture of holiness.	12 He saved me from evil of every kind and preserved me in time of trouble. For this reason I thank him and I praise him; I bless the name of the LORD.
13 And when he took the portions out of the hands of the priests, he himself stood by the altar. And about him was the ring of his brethren: and as the cedar planted in mount Libanus,	13 When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom.
14 And as branches of palm trees, they stood round about him, and all the sons of Aaron in their glory.	14 She came to me in her beauty, and until the end I will cultivate her.
15 And the oblation of the Lord was in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel: and finishing his service, on the altar, to honour the offering of the most high Ring,	15 As the blossoms yielded to ripening grapes, the heart's joy, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her.
16 He stretched forth his hand to make a libation, and offered of the blood of the grape.	16 In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction.
17 He poured out at the foot of the altar a divine odour to the most high Prince.	17 Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise.
18 Then the sons of Aaron shouted, they sounded with beaten trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard for a remembrance before God.	18 I became resolutely devoted to her-- the good I persistently strove for.
19 Then all the people together made haste, and fell down to the earth upon their faces, to adore the Lord their God, and to pray to the Almighty God the most High.	19 I burned with desire for her, never turning back. I became preoccupied with her, never weary of extolling her. My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets.
20 And the singers lifted up their voices. and in the great house the sound of sweet melody was increased.	20 For her I purified my hands; in cleanness I attained to her. At first acquaintance with her, I gained understanding such that I will never forsake her.
21 And the people in prayer besought the Lord the most High, until the worship of the Lord was perfected, and they had finished their office.	21 My whole being was stirred as I learned about her; therefore I have made her my prize possession.
22 Then coming down, he lifted up his hands over all the congregation of the children of Israel, to give glory to God with his lips, and to glory in his name:	22 The LORD has granted me my lips as a reward, and my tongue will declare his praises.
23 And he repeated his prayer, willing to shew the power of God.	23 Come aside to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction;
24 And now pray ye to the God of all, who hath done great things in all the earth, who hath increased our days from our mother's womb, and hath done with us according to his mercy.	24 How long will you be deprived of wisdom's food, how long will you endure such bitter thirst?
25 May he grant us joyfulness of heart, and that there be peace in our days in Israel for ever:	25 I open my mouth and speak of her: gain, at no cost, wisdom for yourselves.
26 That Israel may believe that the mercy of God is with us, to deliver us in his days.	26 Submit your neck to her yoke, that your mind may accept her teaching. For she is close to those who seek her, and the one who is in earnest finds her.
27 There are two nations which my soul abhorreth: and the third is no nation, which I hate:	27 See for yourselves! I have labored only a little, but have found much.
28 They that sit on mount Seir, and the Philistines, and the foolish people that dwell in Sichem.	28 Acquire but a little instruction; you will win silver and gold through her.
29 Jesus the son of Sirach, of Jerusalem, hath written in this book the doctrine of wisdom and instruction, who renewed wisdom from his heart.	29 Let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give him praise.
30 Blessed is he that is conversant in these good things: and he that layeth them up in his heart, shall be wise always.	30 Work at your tasks in due season, and in his own time God will give you your reward.
31 For if he do them, he shall be strong to do all things: because the light of God guideth his steps.