| 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. --
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11 |
I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. --
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12 |
How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations. --
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13 |
Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. --
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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. --
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15 |
I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. --
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16 |
And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. --
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17 |
Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord. --
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18 |
When I was yet young, before I wandered about, I sought for wisdom openly in my prayer. --
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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. --
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20 |
My heart delighted in her, my foot walked in the right way, from my youth up I sought after her. --
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21 |
I bowed down my ear a little, and received her. --
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22 |
I found much wisdom in myself, and I profited much therein. --
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23 |
To him that giveth me wisdom, will I give glory. --
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24 |
For I have determined to follow her: I have had a zeal for good, and shall not be confounded. --
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25 |
My soul hath wrestled for her, and in doing it I have been confirmed. --
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26 |
I stretched forth my hands on high, and I bewailed my ignorance of her. --
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27 |
I directed my soul to her, and in knowledge I found her. --
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28 |
I possessed my heart with her from the beginning: therefore I shall not be forsaken. --
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29 |
My entrails were troubled in seeking her: therefore shall I possess a good possession. --
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30 |
The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward: and with it I will praise him. --
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31 |
Draw near to me, ye unlearned, and gather yourselves together into the house of discipline. --
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32 |
Why are ye slow? and what do you say of these things? your souls are exceeding thirsty. --
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33 |
I have opened my mouth, and have spoken: buy her for yourselves without silver, --
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34 |
And submit your neck to the yoke, and let your soul receive discipline: for she is near at hand to be found. --
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35 |
Behold with your eyes how I have laboured a little, and have found much rest to myself. --
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36 |
Receive ye discipline as a great sum of money, and possess abundance of gold by her. --
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37 |
Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and you shall not be confounded in his praise. --
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38 |
Work your work before the time, and he will give you your reward in his time. --
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