A Song of Thanksgiving

1I give you thanks, O Lord and King;

I praise you as my God and Savior.

I give you thanks,

2for you have helped me and protected me.

You have rescued me from death,

from dangerous lies and slander.

3You helped me when no one else would;

in your great mercy you saved me

from the many troubles I have known:

from the glaring hatred of my enemies,

who wanted to put an end to my life;

4from suffocation in oppressive smoke

rising from fires that I did not light;

5from death itself;

from vicious slander reported to the king.

6I was once brought face-to-face with death;

7enemies surrounded me everywhere.

I looked for someone to help me,

but there was no one there.

8But then, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are

and what you had done in times past.

I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you,

that you save them from their enemies.

9Then from here on earth I prayed to you

to rescue me from death.

10I prayed, "O Lord, you are my father;

do not abandon me to my troubles

when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.

11I will always praise you

and sing hymns of thanksgiving."

You answered my prayer,

12and saved me from the threat of destruction.

And so I thank you and praise you.

O Lord, I praise you!

The Search for Wisdom

13When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom. 14I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live. 15From 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. 16I received Wisdom as soon as I began listening for her, and I have been rewarded with great knowledge. 17I have always been a learner and am grateful to everyone who has been my teacher. 18I was determined to live wisely and was devoted to the cause of goodness. I have no regrets. 19I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct. When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell. 20But 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. 21Because I was driven by the desire to find her, I have been richly rewarded. 22The Lord gave me a gift for words, and I have used it in his praise.

23Come to me, all you that need instruction, and learn in my school. 24Why do you admit that you are ignorant and do nothing about it? 25Here is what I say: It costs nothing to be wise. 26Put on the yoke, and be willing to learn. The opportunity is always near. 27See for yourselves! I have really not studied very hard, but I have found great contentment. 28No matter how much it costs you to get Wisdom, it will be well worth it. 29Be joyfully grateful for the Lord's mercy, and never be ashamed to praise him. 30Do your duty at the proper time, and the Lord, at the time he thinks proper, will give you your reward.