Ben Sira 14:18-26

18 Human beings are like leaves on a spreading tree. New growth takes the place of the fallen leaves; while some of us die, others are being born.

19 Everything made by human hands will decay and perish, along with the person who made it.

20 It is a happy person who is concerned with Wisdom and who uses good sense. ¹

21 Anyone who studies the ways of Wisdom will also learn her secrets.

22 Go after Wisdom like a hunter looking for game.

23 Look into her windows and listen at her doors.

24 Camp as close to her house as you can get,

25 and you will have a fine place to live.

26 Build your home there, safe beneath her protecting branches, and shaded from the heat.

Cross References

• 1. 14.20-25Proverbs 8.32-35.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Hebrew] Build . . . heat; [Greek] Let her protect your children. Live safe beneath her branches, shaded from the heat, surrounded by her glory.