Sirach 39:1–9
1Not so he who has applied his soul and meditates in the law of the Most High. He will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients and will be occupied with prophecies.↗
2He will keep the sayings of the men of renown and will enter in amidst the subtleties of parables.↗
3He will seek out the hidden meaning of proverbs and be conversant in the dark sayings of parables.↗
4He will serve among great men and appear before him who rules. He will travel through the land of foreign nations, for he has learned what is good and evil among men.↗
5He will apply his heart to return early to the Lord who made him, and will make supplication before the Most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and will ask for pardon for his sins.↗
6If the great Lord wills, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth the words of his wisdom and in prayer give thanks to the Lord.↗
7He will direct his counsel and knowledge, and he will meditate in his secrets.↗
8He will show the instruction which he has been taught and will glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.↗
9Many will commend his understanding. So long as the world endures, it won’t be blotted out. His memory won’t depart. His name will live from generation to generation.↗
Source: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain. Text is taken directly from the source. Headings are editorial, not biblical verses.
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