Writings of Ben Sirach, cont.

Wisdom breathes life into her childrenand admonishes those who seek her.He who loves her loves life; those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.He who holds her fast inherits glory;wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.Those who serve her serve the Holy One;those who love her the LORD loves.He who obeys her judges nations;he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.If one trusts her, he will possess her;his descendants too will inherit her.She walks with him as a strangerand at first she puts him to the test;Fear and dread she brings upon himand tries him with her disciplineuntil she try him by her laws and trust his soul.Then she comes back to bring him happinessand reveal her secrets to themand she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.But if he fails her, she will abandon himand deliver him into the hands of despoilers.