SIRACH 1

1All wisdom cometh from the Lord,

And is with him for ever.

2The sand of the seas, and the drops of rain,

And the days of eternity, who shall number?

3The height of the heaven, and the breadth of the earth,

And the deep, and wisdom, who shall search them out?

4Wisdom hath been created before all things,

And the understanding of prudence from everlasting. 51

6To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed?

And who hath known her shrewd counsels? 72

8There is one wise, greatly to be feared,

The Lord sitting upon his throne:

9He created her,

And saw, and numbered her,

And poured her out upon all his works.

10She is with all flesh according to his gift;

And he gave her freely to them that love him.

11The fear of the Lord is glory, and exultation,

And gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

12The fear of the Lord shall delight the heart,

And shall give gladness, and joy, and length of days.

13Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last,

And in the day of his death he shall be blessed.

14To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

And it was created together with the faithful in the womb.

15With men she 3 laid an eternal foundation;

And with their seed shall she be had in trust.

16To fear the Lord is the fulness of wisdom;

And she satiateth men with her fruits.

17She shall fill all her house with desirable things,

And her garners with her produce.

18The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,

Making peace and 4 perfect health to flourish. 5

19He both saw and numbered her;

He rained down skill and knowledge of understanding,

And exalted the honour of them that hold her fast.

20To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom;

And her branches are length of days. 216

22Unjust wrath can never be justified;

For the sway of his wrath is his downfall.

23A man that is longsuffering will 7 bear 8 for a season,

And afterward gladness shall spring up unto him;

24He will hide his words 9 for a season,

And the lips of many shall tell forth his understanding.

25A parable of knowledge is in the treasures of wisdom;

But godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

26If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments,

And the Lord shall give her unto thee freely:

27For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction;

And in faith and meekness is his good pleasure.

28Disobey not the fear of the Lord;10

And come not unto him with a double heart.

29Be not a hypocrite in the mouths of men;

And take good heed to thy lips.

30Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall,

And bring dishonour upon thy soul;

And so the Lord shall reveal thy secrets,

And shall cast thee down in the midst of the congregation;

Because thou camest not unto the fear of the Lord,

And thy heart was full of deceit.