Sirach 51

DOUAI-RHEIMS	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
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 The prayer of Jesus, the son of Sirach: I will confess to you, O Lord and King, and I will give praise to you, O God my Saviour.
2 By him also the height of the temple was founded, the double building and the high walls of the temple.	2 I will acknowledge your name. For you have been my Helper and Protector.
3 In his days the wells of water flowed out, and they were filled as the sea above measure.	3 And you have freed my body from perdition, from the snare of the iniquitous tongue, and from the lips of those who forge lies. And you have been my Helper in the sight of those who stood nearby.
4 He took care of his nation, and delivered it from destruction.	4 And you have freed me according to the multitude of the mercy of your name: from those who roared and prepared to devour,
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 hands of those who sought my life, and from the gates of tribulation that surrounded me,
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 oppression of the flames that surrounded me, and so I was not burned in the midst of the fire,
7 And as the sun when it shineth, so did he shine in the temple of God.	7 from the depths of the bowels of hell, and from the defiled tongue, and from lying words, from an iniquitous king, and from an unjust tongue.
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 My soul shall praise the Lord, even unto death.
9 As a bright Are, and frankincense burning in the fire.	9 For my life was drawing near to hell below.
10 As a massy vessel of gold, adorned with every precious stone.	10 And they surrounded me on every side. And there was no one who would help me. I looked around for the assistance of men, and there was none.
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 Then I remembered your mercy, O Lord, and your works, which are from the very beginning.
12 When he went up to the holy altar, he honoured the vesture of holiness.	12 For you rescue those who persevere for you, O Lord, and you free them from the hands of the Gentiles.
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 You exalted my habitation upon the earth, and I made supplication that death would pass away.
14 And as branches of palm trees, they stood round about him, and all the sons of Aaron in their glory.	14 I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, so that he would not abandon me in the day of my tribulation, nor in the time of arrogance without assistance.
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 I will praise your name unceasingly, and I will praise it with thanksgiving, for my prayer was heeded.
16 He stretched forth his hand to make a libation, and offered of the blood of the grape.	16 And you freed me from perdition, and you rescued me from the time of iniquity.
17 He poured out at the foot of the altar a divine odour to the most high Prince.	17 Because of this, I will give thanks and praise to you, and I will bless the name of the Lord.
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 When I was still young, before I wandered astray, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
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 asked for her before the temple, and even to the very end, I will inquire after her. And she flourished like a newly-ripened grape.
20 And the singers lifted up their voices. and in the great house the sound of sweet melody was increased.	20 My heart rejoiced in her. My feet walked in the right path. From my youth, I pursued 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 I bent my ear a little and accepted her.
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 I found much wisdom within myself, and I benefited greatly by her.
23 And he repeated his prayer, willing to shew the power of God.	23 I will give glory to him who gives wisdom to me.
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 For I have decided that I should act according to wisdom. I have been zealous for what is good, and so I will not be confounded.
25 May he grant us joyfulness of heart, and that there be peace in our days in Israel for ever:	25 My soul has struggled for wisdom, and in doing so, I have been confirmed.
26 That Israel may believe that the mercy of God is with us, to deliver us in his days.	26 I extended my hands on high, and I mourned my ignorance of her.
27 There are two nations which my soul abhorreth: and the third is no nation, which I hate:	27 I directed my soul toward her, and I found her within knowledge.
28 They that sit on mount Seir, and the Philistines, and the foolish people that dwell in Sichem.	28 From the beginning, I held my heart to wisdom. Because of this, I will not be forsaken.
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 My stomach was stirred up while seeking her. Because of her, I will hold a good possession.
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 The Lord has given me a tongue as my reward, and I will praise him with it.
31 For if he do them, he shall be strong to do all things: because the light of God guideth his steps.	31 Draw near to me, you who are untaught, and gather yourselves into the house of discipline.
	32 Why are you reluctant? And what do you have to say about these things? Your souls are exceedingly thirsty!
	33 I have opened my mouth, and I have spoken. Buy wisdom for yourselves without silver,
	34 and subject your neck to her yoke, and let your soul accept her discipline. For she is close enough to be found.
	35 See with your own eyes how I have labored only a little, and have found much rest for myself.
	36 Take up discipline, as if it were a great sum of money, and possess an abundance of gold in her.
	37 Let your soul rejoice in his mercy. For you will not be confounded by his praise.
	38 Accomplish your work before the time. And he will give you your reward in his time.