Ben Sira 52:13-23

13 Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away.
14 I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help.
15 I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard.
16 And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time.
17 Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.
18 When I was yet young, before I wandered about, I sought for wisdom openly in my prayer.
19 I prayed for her before the temple, and unto the very end I will seek after her, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.
20 My heart delighted in her, my foot walked in the right way, from my youth up I sought after her.
21 I bowed down my ear a little, and received her.
22 I found much wisdom in myself, and I profited much therein.
23 To him that giveth me wisdom, will I give glory.
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