Ben Sira 24:13-22 (New Revised Standard w/ Apocrypha)
13
"I grew tall like a cedar in Lebanon, and like a cypress on the heights of Hermon.
14
I grew tall like a palm tree in En-gedi, a and like rosebushes in Jericho; like a fair olive tree in the field, and like a plane tree beside water b I grew tall.
15
Like cassia and camel's thorn I gave forth perfume, and like choice myrrh I spread my fragrance, like galbanum, onycha, and stacte, and like the odor of incense in the tent.
16
Like a terebinth I spread out my branches, and my branches are glorious and graceful.
17
Like the vine I bud forth delights, and my blossoms become glorious and abundant fruit. c
19
"Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill of my fruits.
20
For the memory of me is sweeter than honey, and the possession of me sweeter than the honeycomb.
21
Those who eat of me will hunger for more, and those who drink of me will thirst for more.
22
Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame, and those who work with me will not sin."
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (New Revised Standard w/ Apocrypha)
a.
Ben Sira 24:14 - Other ancient authorities read [on the beaches]
b.
Ben Sira 24:14 - Other ancient authorities omit [beside water]
c.
Ben Sira 24:17 - Other ancient authorities add as verse 18, [I am the mother of beautiful love, of fear, of knowledge, and of holy hope; being eternal, I am given to all my children, to those who are named by him.]