| Chapter 51 |
1 |
They compassed me on every side, and there was no one that would help me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. |
11 |
I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. |
12 |
How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations. |
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. |
24 |
For I have determined to follow her: I have had a zeal for good, and shall not be confounded. |
25 |
My soul hath wrestled for her, and in doing it I have been confirmed. |
26 |
I stretched forth my hands on high, and I bewailed my ignorance of her. |
27 |
I directed my soul to her, and in knowledge I found her. |
28 |
I possessed my heart with her from the beginning: therefore I shall not be forsaken. |
29 |
My entrails were troubled in seeking her: therefore shall I possess a good possession. |
30 |
The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward: and with it I will praise him. |
31 |
Draw near to me, ye unlearned, and gather yourselves together into the house of discipline. |
32 |
Why are ye slow? and what do you say of these things? your souls are exceeding thirsty. |
33 |
I have opened my mouth, and have spoken: buy her for yourselves without silver, |
34 |
And submit your neck to the yoke, and let your soul receive discipline: for she is near at hand to be found. |
35 |
Behold with your eyes how I have laboured a little, and have found much rest to myself. |
36 |
Receive ye discipline as a great sum of money, and possess abundance of gold by her. |
37 |
Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and you shall not be confounded in his praise. |
38 |
Work your work before the time, and he will give you your reward in his time. |