Sirach

Sirach

¹The beginning of all wisdom is from the LORD, and wisdom is with him forever. ²The sand of the sea, the drops of the rain, and the days of eternity: who has counted them? ³The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the depth of the abyss, and wisdom: who has measured them? ⁴Wisdom was created before all things. ⁵And the understanding of wisdom has been there since the creation of the world. ⁶To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? ⁷And who has known her counsel? ⁸There is One who is wise, and he is greatly to be feared. He sits upon his throne. ⁹The LORD himself created her, saw her, and measured her. ¹⁰He poured her out on all his works, on all flesh according to his gift, and he gave her to all who love her. ¹¹The fear of the LORD is honor. It is glory and joy and a crown of gladness. ¹²The fear of the LORD is joy of heart. It gives gladness, brings rejoicing, and lengthens the days of life. ¹³For the one who fears the LORD, the end will be good, and he will be blessed on the day of his death. ¹⁴The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and she was created with the faithful in their mother's womb. ¹⁵With the children of men she was created as an everlasting foundation, and she has been entrusted to their descendants. ¹⁶The fullness of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and she satisfies people with her fruit. ¹⁷Her houses are full of joy, and her gardens are full of fruit. ¹⁸The crown of wisdom is the fear of the LORD. It brings peace and healing, and people flourish. ¹⁹Her Creator saw her and measured her. He made a spring of knowledge, counsel, and wisdom flow, and he raised up and honored those who hold her fast. ²⁰The root of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and her branches lengthen the days of life. ²¹A hot-tempered and violent man cannot be counted righteous, for the moment he flies into a rage becomes his downfall. ²²Hold back your anger until its moment has passed, and afterward you will be glad you did. ²³Keep your words hidden until you find the right time, and many will speak of your wisdom. ²⁴In the treasuries of wisdom are the teachings of proverbs, but the sinner loathes the one who fears the LORD. ²⁵If you love wisdom, keep her commandments, and the LORD will give her to you. ²⁶For the fear of the LORD is wisdom and knowledge, and what pleases him is faith and gentleness. ²⁷Do not forget the fear of the LORD. ²⁸Do not come to him with a divided heart while you waver in doubt. ²⁹Do not become the talk of other people, and guard your lips. ³⁰Do not exalt yourself, or you will be ruined and bring your soul to a fall. The LORD will expose your secrets and throw you down in the middle of the assembly, because you did not come in the fear of the LORD and your heart is full of deceit.