Sirach 2:1-7

Trusting in God

1 My child, if you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.

2 Set your heart straight, be steadfast, and don't act hastily in a time of distress.

3 Hold fast to God and don't keep your distance from him, so that you may find strength at your end.

4 Accept whatever happens to you, and be patient when you suffer humiliation,

5 because gold is tested with fire, and acceptable people are tested in the furnace of humiliation.

6 Trust him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him.

7 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, and don't turn aside or else you might fall.

Footnotes

• [a]. b adds to 2:5 In sickness and in poverty trust in him.