7. People surrounded me on every side,and no one helped;I looked for assistance from human beings, and there was none.
8. Then I remembered your mercy, Lord,and your charity from long ago,that you raise up those who wait for youand save them from the handsof the wicked.
9. I sent up my prayer from the earth,and I begged to be rescued from death.
10. I called out to the Lord,the father of my master:"Don’t desert me in the timeof my distress,when I am helpless before the arrogant.
11. I will praise your name continually,and I will sing thanksgiving hymns."My prayer was heard,
12. because you saved me from destructionand you rescued me from an evil time.For this, I will give thanks, praise you,and bless the Lord’s name.
13. When I was still young,before I had traveled,I sought Wisdom openly in my prayer.
14. In front of the temple, I asked for her,and I will search for her until I die.
15. From the first blossomto the ripening of the grape clusters,my heart delighted in her;I walked in straight paths;I chased her down from my youth.
16. I paid a little attention, and I received herand found much instruction for myself.
17. I made progress with her;I will give glory to the onewho gives me Wisdom.
18. I made up my mindto put Wisdom into practice;I sought the good,and I will never be ashamed.
19. My whole being grappled with her,and I was brought to perfectionin my performance of the Law.I spread out my handstoward heaven,and I kept in mindmy ignorance of her.
20. I directed my whole being toward her,and in purity I found her.I had a heart for herfrom the beginning.For this reasonI will never be abandoned.
21. My guts were stirred to seek her;for this reason I gaineda desired possession.