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for you saved me from destruction and rescued me in time of trouble. For this reason I thank you and praise you, and I bless the name of the Lord. [Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the God of praises,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the guardian of Israel,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to him who formed all things,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the redeemer of Israel,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to him who rebuilt his city and his sanctuary,] [for his mercy endures forever; ] [Give thanks to him who makes a horn to sprout for the house of David,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to him who has chosen the sons of Zadok to be priests,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the shield of Abraham,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the rock of Isaac,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the mighty one of Jacob,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings,] [for his mercy endures forever;] [He has raised up a horn for his people,] [praise for all his loyal ones.] [For the children of Israel, the people close to him.] [Praise the Lord!]
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While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
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Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end.
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From the first blossom to the ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot walked on the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps.
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I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction.
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I made progress in her; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
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For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good, and I shall never be disappointed.
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My 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.
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I directed my soul to her, and in purity I found her. With her I gained understanding from the first; therefore I will never be forsaken.
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My heart was stirred to seek her; therefore I have gained a prize possession.
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The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward, and I will praise him with it.