Ben Sira 51:11-21

11 I will always praise you and sing hymns of thanksgiving." You answered my prayer,
12 and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you. O Lord, I praise you!
13 When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom.
14 I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.
15 From my blossoming youth to my ripe old age she has been my delight. I have followed directly in her path ever since I was young.
16 I received Wisdom as soon as I began listening for her, and I have been rewarded with great knowledge.
17 I have always been a learner and am grateful to everyone who has been my teacher.
18 I was determined to live wisely and was devoted to the cause of goodness. I have no regrets.
19 I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct. When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell.
20 But I was determined to have her, and I found her by keeping myself free from sin. I have grown in Wisdom since first I found her, and I will never be without her.
21 Because I was driven by the desire to find her, I have been richly rewarded.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.