Sirach 2: 1-11

My child, when you come to serve the Lord, 

prepare yourself for testing.

Set your heart right and be steadfast, 

and do not be impetuous in times of calamity. 

Cling to him and do not depart, 

so that your last days may be prosperous. 

Accept whatever befalls you, 

and in times of humiliation be patient. 

For gold is tested in the fire, 

and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation.

Trust in him, and he will help you; 

make your ways straight, and hope in him. 

You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; 

do not stray, or else you may fall. 

You who fear the Lord, trust in him, 

 and your reward will not be lost. 

 You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, 

 for lasting joy and mercy.

 Consider the generations of old and see: 

 has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? 

 Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? 

Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? 

For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; 

he forgives sins and saves in times of distress.