Ben Sira 4:17

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.

Ben Sira 4:17 In-Context

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. she trusts you; [or] you trust her.