Sirach 1

1All wisdom is from the Lord, and it is with him forever.

2Who can count the sand of the seas, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?

3The height of heaven and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss—who can search them out?

4Before all these, wisdom was created, and true understanding is from eternity.

5The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? And who has known her subtleties?

6One alone is fearsome, God ruling over all her storehouses.

7He examined her and saw her and counted her, and he gave her to those who love him.

8He poured her out upon all flesh according to his will, and he gave her to those who love him.

9among all flesh according to his gift, and he granted her to those who love him.

10The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

11The fear of Yahweh is glory and honor, greatness and a crown of splendor.

12The fear of Yahweh gladdens the heart, and gives joy and favor and length of days.

13One who fears Yahweh—his end will be good; and at the end of his days he will be blessed.

14The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Yahweh, and with the faithful she was formed in the womb.

15The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and it makes them drunk from its fruits.

16The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Yahweh, and it brings abundant peace and life and healing.

17All her storehouses she fills with delight, and her granaries with her produce.

18The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and she satisfies with the abundance of her produce.

19She is a staff of strength and a support, praise and everlasting honor to everyone who walks after her.

20Its roots are forever, and its branches are length of days.

21Happy is the man who meditates on her, and she is better for him than every treasure.

22Until the appointed time, the patient one will endure, and afterward joy will be repaid to him.

23Until the right time he will conceal his words, and the lips of many will recount his understanding.

24In the treasures of wisdom are insightful sayings, but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

25Desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply her to you.

26For wisdom and instruction are fear of the Lord, and his good pleasure is faith and meekness.

27Do not disobey the fear of the Lord, and do not come to him with a divided heart.

28Do not be hypocritical in the mouths of men, and watch your lips.

29Love the fear of the LORD, and bless your heart in it; and do not fear.

30Water puts out a blazing fire, and almsgiving makes atonement for sins.

31My son, do not be false in the fear of Yahweh, and do not draw near to him with a divided heart.