Ben Sira 4:15-25

15 Those who obey her will give sound judgments; those who pay attention to her have true security.
16 Put your trust in Wisdom, and you will possess her and pass her on to your descendants.
17 At first, Wisdom will lead you along difficult paths. She will make you so afraid that you will think you cannot go on. The discipline she demands will be tormenting, and she will put you to the test with her requirements until she trusts you completely.
18 Then she will come to you with no delay, reveal her secrets to you, and make you happy.
19 But if you go astray, she will abandon you and let you go to your own ruin.
20 Take advantage of opportunities, but guard yourself against evil. Don't underrate yourself.
21 Humility deserves honor and respect, but a low opinion of yourself leads to sin.
22 Do not let others have their way at your expense; do not bring on your own ruin by giving up your rights.
23 Never hesitate to speak out when the occasion calls for it. Don't hide your wisdom.
24 Your wisdom and education can be known only by what you say.
25 Do not, however, go against the truth, and remember that you do not know everything.

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. [Hebrew] give sound judgments; [Greek] judge nations.
  • [b]. she trusts you; [or] you trust her.
  • [c]. [Probable text] the occasion; [Greek] safety.
  • [d]. [Hebrew] Don't hide your wisdom; [most Greek manuscripts do not have these words; other Greek manuscripts] Don't hide your wisdom for the sake of appearances.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.