The Blessing of Scripture Study

How different is the man who devotes himself
To the study of the law of the Most High.
He will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients
And be occupied with their prophecies.
He will preserve the discourse of notable men
And penetrate the subtleties of parables.
He will seek out the hidden meanings of proverbs
And be engaged in the riddles of parables.
He will serve in the midst of great men
And will appear before rulers.
He will travel through the land of foreign nations
And test the good and evil among men.
He will give his heart to rising early
Before the Lord who created him,
And will make supplication to the Most High;
And he will open his mouth in prayer
And make supplication for his sins.
If the great Lord wills,
He will be filled with the Spirit of understanding.
He will pour forth words of His wisdom,
And in prayer he will give thanks to the Lord.
He will direct his counsel and knowledge aright,
And he will reflect on His hidden things.
He will reveal instruction in his teaching
And boast in the law of the Lord’s covenant.
Many will praise his understanding,
And it will never be blotted out.
His memory will not disappear,
And his name will live through all generations.
Nations will proclaim his wisdom,
And the assembly will proclaim his praise.
If he lives long, he will leave a name greater than a thousand,
And if he goes to his rest, his work is completed.

Wisdom of Sirach 39:1–11