Ben Sira 39:2-12

2 he will preserve the discourse of notable men and penetrate the subtleties of parables;
3 he will seek out the hidden meanings of proverbs and be at home with the obscurities of parables.
4 He will serve among great men and appear before rulers; he will travel through the lands of foreign nations, for he tests the good and the evil among men.
5 He will set his heart to rise early to seek the Lord who made him, and will make supplication before the Most High; he will open his mouth in prayer and make supplication for his sins.
6 If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth words of wisdom and give thanks to the Lord in prayer.
7 He will direct his counsel and knowledge aright, and meditate on his secrets.
8 He will reveal instruction in his teaching, and will glory in the law of the Lord's covenant.
9 Many will praise his understanding, and it will never be blotted out; his memory will not disappear, and his name will live through all generations.
10 Nations will declare his wisdom, and the congregation will proclaim his praise;
11 if he lives long, he will leave a name greater than a thousand, and if he goes to rest, it is enough for him.
12 I have yet more to say, which I have thought upon, and I am filled, like the moon at the full.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.