Ben Sira 6:23-33

23 Listen, my son, and accept my judgment; do not reject my counsel.
24 Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar.
25 Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not fret under her bonds.
26 Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might.
27 Search out and seek, and she will become known to you; and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
28 For at last you will find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you.
29 Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection, and her collar a glorious robe.
30 Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds are a cord of blue.
31 You will wear her like a glorious robe, and put her on like a crown of gladness.
32 If you are willing, my son, you will be taught, and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
33 If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you incline your ear you will become wise.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.