Sirach 1

Many great things have been handed down to us through the law, the prophets, and the others who followed them, for which Israel deserves praise for instruction and wisdom. Readers should not only become knowledgeable themselves; those who love learning should also be able to help outsiders by speaking and writing. My grandfather Jesus devoted himself especially to reading the law, the prophets, and the other ancestral books. After gaining considerable judgment through them, he was moved to write something of his own concerning instruction and wisdom, so that those who love learning and devote themselves to these things might make still greater progress in living according to the law. I therefore ask you to read with goodwill and attention and to forgive us wherever, despite our effort to translate, we may seem to have fallen short in some expressions. Things originally spoken in Hebrew do not have exactly the same force when translated into another language. This is true not only of this work; the law itself, the prophets, and the rest of the books differ considerably when expressed in their original language. In the thirty-eighth year, while King Euergetes was reigning, I came to Egypt and stayed there for some time. I found a copy of this book containing no small amount of instruction, and I considered it especially necessary to devote diligence and labor to translating it. I worked with great care and skill during that time to bring the book to completion and publish it for those living abroad who are eager to learn and already prepared by their way of life to live according to the law.

1 All wisdom comes from the Lord and remains with him forever. 2 Who can count the sand of the seas, the drops of rain, or the days of eternity? 3 Who can trace out the height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the deep, or wisdom? 4 Wisdom was created before everything else, and understanding joined with good sense has existed from eternity. 5 The word of God Most High is the fountain of wisdom, and her ways are everlasting commands. [a]

6 To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? Who has known her subtle designs? 7 To whom has knowledge of wisdom been revealed? Who has understood her great experience? [b] 8 Only one is wise and greatly feared, the one seated on his throne. 9 The Lord himself created wisdom, saw her, counted her, and poured her out over all his works. 10 She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he has given her freely to those who love him.

11 The fear of the Lord is glory, a reason for boasting, gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. 12 The fear of the Lord delights the heart and gives gladness, joy, and a long life. 13 It will go well in the end for the one who fears the Lord, and on the day of his death he will be blessed. 14 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she was created with the faithful while they were still in the womb. 15 She has built an everlasting foundation among human beings, and she will be entrusted to their descendants.

16 The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and she intoxicates them with her fruits. 17 She fills their whole house with things they desire and their storerooms with her produce. 18 The fear of the Lord is wisdom’s crown, making peace and sound health flourish. 19 He saw and counted wisdom; he rained down knowledge and understanding and raised to glory those who hold fast to her. 20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and her branches are a long life.

21 The fear of the Lord drives away sins, and wherever it remains, it turns away wrath. [c] 22 Unrighteous anger cannot be vindicated, because a person’s own anger brings about his fall. 23 A patient person endures until the right time, and afterward gladness rises for him. 24 He hides his words until the proper time, and many lips tell of his understanding. 25 Proverbs of knowledge are found in wisdom’s treasuries, but reverence for God is detestable to a sinner.

26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commands, and the Lord will give her freely to you. 27 The fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and faithfulness and gentleness are his delight. 28 Do not disobey the fear of the Lord, and do not approach him with a divided heart. † 29 Do not play the hypocrite before others, and watch your own lips. 30 Do not exalt yourself, or you may fall and bring dishonor on your soul. The Lord will expose your secrets and cast you down in the middle of the assembly, because you did not approach him in the fear of the Lord and your heart was full of deceit.