Ecclesiasticus / Sirach - The Old Testament

¹ All wisdom comes from the Lord, she is with him for ever.

² The sands of the sea, the drops of rain, the days of eternity -- who can count them?

³ The height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the depth of the abyss -- who can explore them?

⁴ Wisdom was created before everything, prudent understanding subsists from remotest ages.

<sup>5

6</sup> For whom has the root of wisdom ever been uncovered? Her resourceful ways, who knows them?

<sup>7

8</sup> One only is wise, terrible indeed,

⁹ seated on his throne, the Lord. It was he who created, inspected and weighed her up, and then poured her out on all his works-

¹⁰ as much to each living creature as he chose -- bestowing her on those who love him.

¹¹ The fear of the Lord is glory and pride, happiness and a crown of joyfulness.

¹² The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart, giving happiness, joy and long life.

¹³ For those who fear the Lord, all will end well: on their dying day they will be blessed.

¹⁴ The basis of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she was created with the faithful in their mothers' womb;

¹⁵ she has made a home in the human race, an age -- old foundation, and to their descendants will she faithfully cling.

¹⁶ The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she intoxicates them with her fruits;

¹⁷ she fills their entire house with treasures and their storerooms with her produce.

¹⁸ The crown of wisdom is to fear the Lord: she makes peace and health flourish.

¹⁹ The Lord has seen and assessed her, he has showered down knowledge and intelligence, he has exalted the renown of those who possess her.

²⁰ The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and her branches are long life.

<sup>21

22</sup> The rage of the wicked cannot put him in the right, for the weight of his rage is his downfall.

²³ A patient person puts up with things until the right time comes: but his joy will break out in the end.

²⁴ Till the time comes he keeps his thoughts to himself, and many a lip will affirm how wise he is.

²⁵ Wisdom's treasuries contain the maxims of knowledge, the sinner, however, holds piety in abhorrence.

²⁶ If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow it on you.

²⁷ For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and what pleases him is faithfulness and gentleness.

²⁸ Do not stand out against fear of the Lord, do not practise it with a double heart.

²⁹ Do not act a part in public, keep watch over your lips.

³⁰ Do not grow too high and mighty, for fear you fall and cover yourself in disgrace; for the Lord would then reveal your secrets and overthrow you before the whole community for not having practised fear of the Lord and for having a heart full of deceit.