Sirach 2: 1-6

My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord,
remain in justice and in fear,
and prepare yourself for temptation.

Set your heart right and be steadfast,
incline your ear, and receive words of understanding,
and do not be hasty in time of calamity.

Await God’s patience, cling to him and do not depart,
that you may be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever is brought upon you,
and endure it in sorrow;
in changes that humble you be patient.

For gold and silver are tested in the fire,
and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.

Trust in God, and he will help you;
hope in him, and he will make your ways straight.

Stay in fear of him, and grow old in him.