THE 6th DAY - BOOK OF ECCLESIASTICUS
Ch.1 and Ch. 6, - selected verses.
All Wisdom is from the Lord and it remains His own for ever.
Before all other things Wisdom was created,
and prudent understanding is everlasting.
To whom has Wisdom’s origin ever been revealed?
Her resourceful ways, who knows them?
One only is wise, terrible indeed, seated on His throne: The Lord.
It is He who created Her, looked on Her and appraised Her worth,
And poured Her out on all His work to be with all mankind as His gift;
But He has lavished Her upon those who love Him...
To fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
She was formed with His elect in their mothers’ womb.
She has made Her abode with devoted men from of old
And with their children Her beneficence remains.
To fear the Lord is the perfection of Wisdom.
She intoxicates them with Her fruits;
She fills their whole house with their hearts’ desire,
And their storeroom with Her produce.
The fear of the Lord is the crown of Wisdom,
It makes peace and health to flourish.
The Lord has looked on Her and assessed Her;
She showers down knowledge and full understanding,
And exalts the glory of those who hold Her close.
Yes, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom,
And Her branches are eternal Life...
My son, from your earliest youth embrace discipline,
And till your hair is white you will keep finding Wisdom.
Approach Her like the ploughman and the sower,
And then wait for Her fine harvest.
For in Her service you will toil only a little but very soon you will be eating Her fruits.
Only to the fool is She unbearable,
The undisciplined man does not stay with Her for long:
She will weigh on him like a heavy stone
And he will lose no time in throwing Her off.
But you, my son, put your feet into Her fetters
And your neck into Her harness.
Put your shoulders under Her yoke and carry Her,
And be not irked by Her bonds.
Yes, approach Her with all your soul
And keep Her ways with all your might.
Go after Her and seek Her and She will reveal Herself to you.
Once you hold Her do not let Her go,
For in the end you will find rest in Her
And she will be your joy.
Her fetters will be your strong defence.
Her harness a robe of honour.
Her yoke will be a golden ornament,
Her reins, purple ribbons.
You will wear Her like a mantle of honour,
Bear Her like a magnificent crown......
HAIL MARY.