The search for Wisdom.  Sir.51.13-30

¹³While I was still young, before I went on my travels,
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
¹⁴Before the temple I asked for her,
and I will search for her to the last.
¹⁵From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her;
my foot entered upon the straight path;
from my youth I followed her steps.
¹⁶I inclined my ear a little and received her,
and I found for myself much instruction.
¹⁷I made progress therein;
to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
¹⁸For I resolved to live according to wisdom,
and I was zealous for the good;
and I shall never be put to shame.
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.
²⁰I directed my soul to her,
and through purification I found her.
I gained understanding with her from the first,
therefore I will not be forsaken.
²¹My heart was stirred to seek her,
therefore I have gained a good possession.
²²The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward,
and I will praise him with it.

²³Draw near to me, you who are untaught,
and lodge in my school.
²⁴Why do you say you are lacking in these things,
and why are your souls very thirsty?
²⁵I opened my mouth and said,
Get these things for yourselves without money.
²⁶Put your neck under the yoke,
and let your souls receive instruction;
it is to be found close by.
²⁷See with your eyes that I have laboured little
and found myself much rest.
²⁸Get instruction with a large sum of silver,
and you will gain by it much gold.
²⁹May your soul rejoice in his mercy,
and may you not be put to shame when you praise him.
³⁰Do your work before the appointed time,
and in God's time he will give you your reward.