Wisdom of Ben Sira 51:2-4

New Catholic Bible

²     for you have been my protector and my support.
You have rescued me from destruction,
    from the snare laid by a slanderous tongue,
    and from lips that fabricate falsehood.
In the face of my adversaries you came to my aid;
³     in the greatness of your mercy and of your name you rescued me:
from the gnashing teeth waiting to devour me,
    from the hands of those who sought my life,
    and from the many ordeals I endured,
⁴ from the choking fire that enveloped me,
    and from the fire that I had not kindled,