1. oratio Jesu filii Sirach confitebor tibi Domine rex et conlaudabo te Deum salvatorem meum
2. confiteor nomini tuo quoniam adiutor et protector factus es mihi
3. et liberasti corpus meum a perditione a laqueo linguæ iniquæ et a labiis operantium mendacium et in conspectu adstantium factus es mihi adiutor
4. et liberasti me secundum multitudinem misericordiæ nominis tui a rugientibus paratis ad escam
5. de manibus quærentium animam meam et de portis tribulationis quæ circumdederunt me
6. a pressura flammæ quæ circumdedit me et in medio ignis non sum æstuatus
7. de altitudine ventris inferi et a lingua coinquinata et verbo mendacii a rege iniquo et lingua iniusta
8. laudavit usque ad mortem anima mea Dominum
9. et vita mea adpropinquans erat infero deorsum
10. circumdederunt me undique et non erat qui adiuvaret respiciens eram ad adiutorium meum et non erat
11. memoratus sum misericordiæ tuæ Domine et operationis tuæ quæ a sæculo sunt
12. quoniam erues sustinentes te et liberas eos de manibus gentium
13. exaltasti super terram habitationem meam et pro morte defluenti deprecatus sum
Footnotes:
51:1-3 - The author begins by expressing his desire for wisdom and a quest for a deeper relationship with God. Humility in the pursuit of wisdom is an essential step toward spiritual growth (see also Proverbs 2:3-6 and James 1:5).
51:4-7 - The memory of past afflictions serves as a reminder of God's mercy. The author recognizes the importance of remembering both hardships and divine interventions, which brings hope and gratitude (see also Psalm 77:11-12 and Romans 8:28).
51:8-10 - The author discusses the importance of prayer and devotion to God, showing that prayer is a means of communication with the Lord and a path to wisdom. The practice of prayer must be constant and sincere (see also Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
51:11-13 - Recognizing God's greatness and human frailty is essential. The author emphasizes that, despite difficulties, God is the source of hope and restoration (see also Psalm 103:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
51:14-30 - The chapter concludes with a hymn of praise to God's wisdom and goodness. Worship and recognition of God's greatness are fundamental to the believer's life, for they remind us of His sovereignty and goodness (see also Psalm 95:1-3 and Revelation 4:11).
Verses related to Liber Ecclesiasticus, 51:
Ecclesiastic chapter 51 ends the book with a prayer and a poem. How can we grow in wisdom and gratitude? This personal text begins with the author's prayer of thanksgiving for divine deliverance and ends with an alphabetical poem extolling the pursuit of wisdom. The chapter emphasizes themes such as perseverance, humility, and the inestimable value of divine knowledge. Ecclesiasticus 51 offers a fitting conclusion to the book. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that complement the lessons in this final chapter.
Psalms 136:1: "Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. Your love lasts forever!" - This psalm of thanksgiving reflects the tone of Ecclesiasticus 51:1-12.
Proverbs 2:3-5: "and if you cry out for understanding, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek wisdom like silver and search through it like hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and you will find the knowledge of God." - This passage about seeking wisdom relates to Ecclesiasticus 51:13-30.
Lamentations 3:22-23: "Thanks to the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his mercies are inexhaustible. They are renewed every morning; Great is your faithfulness!" - This verse reflects the themes of divine mercy and faithfulness found in Ecclesiasticus 51.
Job 28:28: "And he said to the man, 'The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'" - This definition of wisdom aligns with the teachings of Ecclesiasticus 51.
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives it to all freely and willingly; and it will be granted to you." - This New Testament verse echoes Ecclesiasticus 51's advice about seeking wisdom.
FAQ:
What does Solomon ask God for in Ecclesiasticus 51?
Solomon asks for wisdom and understanding to govern God's people and live righteously, recognizing that everything comes from God. (Sirach 51:13-22)
How does Solomon express his gratitude to God in Ecclesiasticus 51?
Solomon expresses his gratitude for being heard by God, offering praise and acknowledging God's mercy in his life and reign. (Sirach 51:1-12)
What does Ecclesiasticus 51 teach about the pursuit of wisdom?
Sirach 51 teaches that wisdom is a gift from God, to be sought with humility, prayer, and reverence, recognizing our dependence on God. (Sirach 51:1-22)
How can we apply Solomon's prayer in our lives?
Solomon's prayer teaches us to seek God's wisdom to make righteous decisions, humbly acknowledging our need for divine guidance. (Sirach 51:13-22)
What does it mean for Solomon to have God answer his quest for wisdom?
For Solomon, being answered by God in his search for wisdom means recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and that He is faithful to those who seek Him. (Sirach 51:13-22)
