Wisdom Is from the Lord
Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 1. All wisdom comes from the Lord And is with Him forever. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 2. Who can count the sand of the seas, The drops of rain, and the days of eternity? Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 3. Who can search out the height of heaven, The breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom? Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 4. Wisdom was created before all things, And the insight of prudence was from eternity. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 5. To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? And who has come to know her great deeds? Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 6. There is one who is wise and is feared exceedingly, He who sits upon His throne. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 7. The Lord Himself created wisdom. He saw and numbered her And poured her out on all His works, Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 8. In the midst of all flesh according to His gift; And He provided her for those who love Him.
The Fear of the Lord
Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 9. The fear of the Lord is glory and boasting, And gladness and a crown of rejoicing. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 10. The fear of the Lord will cheer the heart And will give gladness, joy, and long life. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 11. For those who fear the Lord, it shall be well to the utmost, And on the day of his death, he will be blessed. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 12. The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, And she was joined with the faithful in the womb. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 13. She constructed a foundation of life among men And will be trusted among their seed. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 14. The gratification of wisdom is to fear the Lord, And she intoxicates them with her fruits. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 15. She will fill every house of theirs with objects of desire And their storehouses with her harvest. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 16. The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, Making peace and soundness of health to flourish. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 17. The Lord saw and numbered her, And poured out the power of comprehension; And He exalted the glory of those who hold fast to her. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 18. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, And her branches are length of days.
Warnings to the Wise
Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 19. Unjust anger cannot be justified, For anger's decisive influence causes his fall. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 20. A patient man will hold fast until the proper time, Then afterwards gladness shall burst forth for him. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 21. He shall conceal his words until the proper time, And the lips of many will tell of his understanding. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 22. In the treasures of wisdom are the parables of knowledge, But godliness is an abomination to a sinner. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 23. If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, And the Lord will supply it to you. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 24. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, And His good pleasure is faith and gentleness. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 25. Do not disobey the fear of the Lord, And do not come to Him with a divided heart. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 26. Do not be a hypocrite in the sight of men, And be careful with your lips. Wisdom of Sirach 1, verse 27. Do not exalt yourself, lest you fall And bring dishonor to your soul. The Lord shall reveal your secrets, And in the midst of the assembly He will strike you down, Because you did not come in the fear of the Lord And your heart was full of deceit.