Sirach 1

¹ All wisdom comes from the LORD and with him it remains forever.

² The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these?

³ Heaven's height, earth's breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?

⁴ Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding, from eternity.

⁵ To whom has wisdom's root been revealed? Who knows her subtleties?

⁶ There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne:

⁷ It is the LORD; he created her, has seen her and taken note of her.

⁸ He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.

⁹ Fear of the LORD is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown.

¹⁰ Fear of the LORD warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days.

¹¹ He who fears the LORD will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed.

¹² The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, which is formed with the faithful in the womb.

¹³ With devoted men was she created from of old, and with their children her beneficence abides.

¹⁴ Fullness of wisdom is fear of the LORD; she inebriates men with her fruits.

¹⁵ Her entire house she fills with choice foods, her granaries with her harvest.

¹⁶ Wisdom's garland is fear of the LORD, with blossoms of peace and perfect health.

¹⁷ Knowledge and full understanding she showers down; she heightens the glory of those who possess her.

¹⁸ The root of wisdom is fear of the LORD; her branches are length of days.

¹⁹ One cannot justify unjust anger; anger plunges a man to his downfall.

²⁰ A patient man need stand firm but for a time, and then contentment comes back to him.

²¹ For a while he holds back his words, then the lips of many herald his wisdom.

²² Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner.

²³ If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD will bestow her upon you;

²⁴ For fear of the LORD is wisdom and culture; loyal humility is his delight.

²⁵ Be not faithless to the fear of the LORD, nor approach it with duplicity of heart.

²⁶ Play not the hypocrite before men; over your lips keep watch.

²⁷ Exalt not yourself lest you fall and bring upon you dishonor;

²⁸ For then the LORD will reveal your secrets and publicly cast you down,

²⁹ Because you approached the fear of the LORD with your heart full of guile.