Sirach 51

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW JERUSALEM
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 shal give thanks to you, Lord and King, and praise you, God my Saviour, I give thanks to your name;
2 By him also the height of the temple was founded, the double building and the high walls of the temple.	2 for you have been my guard and support and redeemed my body from destruction, from the snare ofthe lying tongue, from lips that fabricate falsehood; in the presence of my assailants, you were on my side; youhave been my support, you have redeemed me,
3 In his days the wells of water flowed out, and they were filled as the sea above measure.	3 true to your abounding kindness -- and the greatness of your name -- you liberated me from the fangsof those seeking to devour me, from the clutches of those seeking my life, from the many ordeals which I haveendured,
4 He took care of his nation, and delivered it from destruction.	4 from the stifling heat which hemmed me in, from the heart of a fire which I had not kindled,
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 deep in the bel y of Sheol,
6 He shone in his days as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full.	6 treacherous denunciations to the king. My soul has been close to death, my life had gone down to thebrink of Sheol.
7 And as the sun when it shineth, so did he shine in the temple of God.	7 I was completely surrounded, there was no one to help me; I looked for someone to help me, there wasno 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 Then I remembered your mercy, Lord, and your deeds from earliest times, how you deliver those whowait for you patiently, and save them from the clutches of their enemies.
9 As a bright Are, and frankincense burning in the fire.	9 And I sent up my plea from the earth, I begged to be delivered from death.
10 As a massy vessel of gold, adorned with every precious stone.	10 I cal ed on the Lord, the father of my Lord, 'Do not desert me in the days of ordeal, in the days of theproud, when we are helpless. I shal praise your name unceasingly and grateful y sing its praises.'
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 And my plea was heard, for you saved me from destruction, you delivered me from that time of evil.
12 When he went up to the holy altar, he honoured the vesture of holiness.	12 And therefore I shal thank you and praise you, and 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 stil a youth, before I went travelling, in my prayers I asked outright for wisdom.
14 And as branches of palm trees, they stood round about him, and all the sons of Aaron in their glory.	14 Outside the sanctuary I would pray for her, and to the last I shall continue to seek 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 From her blossoming to the ripening of her grape my heart has taken its delight in her. My foot haspursued a straight path, I have sought her ever since my youth.
16 He stretched forth his hand to make a libation, and offered of the blood of the grape.	16 By bowing my ear a little, I have received her, and have found much instruction.
17 He poured out at the foot of the altar a divine odour to the most high Prince.	17 Thanks to her I have advanced; glory be to him who has given me wisdom!
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 For I was determined to put her into practice, have earnestly pursued the good, and shal not be put toshame.
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 My soul has fought to possess her, I have been scrupulous in keeping the Law; I have stretched outmy hands to heaven and bewailed how little I knew of her;
20 And the singers lifted up their voices. and in the great house the sound of sweet melody was increased.	20 I have directed my soul towards her, and in purity I have found her; having my heart fixed on her fromthe outset, I shall never be deserted;
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 very core having yearned to discover her, I have now acquired a good 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 In reward the Lord has given me a tongue with which I shal sing his praises.
23 And he repeated his prayer, willing to shew the power of God.	23 Come close to me, you ignorant, take your place in my school.
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 Why complain about lacking these things when your souls are so thirsty for them?
25 May he grant us joyfulness of heart, and that there be peace in our days in Israel for ever:	25 I have opened my mouth, I have said: 'Buy her without money,
26 That Israel may believe that the mercy of God is with us, to deliver us in his days.	26 put your necks under her yoke, let your souls receive instruction, she is near, within your reach.'
27 There are two nations which my soul abhorreth: and the third is no nation, which I hate:	27 See for yourselves: how slight my efforts have been to win so much peace.
28 They that sit on mount Seir, and the Philistines, and the foolish people that dwell in Sichem.	28 Buy instruction with a large sum of silver, thanks to her you wil gain much gold.
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 May your souls rejoice in the mercy of the Lord, may you never be ashamed of praising him.
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 Do your work before the appointed time and at the appointed time he wil give you your reward.(Subscript:) Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sira.
31 For if he do them, he shall be strong to do all things: because the light of God guideth his steps.