Sirach 1
1
Sirach 1
In Praise of Wisdom
1 #
Prov 8.22; Wis 8.21; Jn 1.1 All wisdom is from the Lord,
and with him it remains forever.
2 #
Ps 139.18; Sir 18.10; 2 Esd 5.36 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 #
Prov 30.4
The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
the abyss, and wisdom#1.3 Other ancient authorities read the depth of the abyss—who can search them out?
4 #
Prov 3.19; 8.23; Col 1.15, 16 Wisdom was created before all things
and prudent understanding from eternity.#1.4 Other ancient authorities add as 1.5: The source of wisdom is God’s word in the highest heaven, and her ways are the eternal commandments.
6 #
v 20
The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
Her subtleties—who knows them?#1.6 Other ancient authorities add as 1.7: The knowledge of wisdom—to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience—who has understood it?
8There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,
seated upon his throne: the Lord.
9It is he who created her;
he saw her and took her measure;
he poured her out upon all his works,
10 #
Eccl 2.26
upon all the living according to his gift;
he lavished her upon those who love him.#1.10 Other ancient authorities add Love of the Lord is glorious wisdom; to those to whom he appears he apportions her, that they may see him.
Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom
11 #
Sir 6.31; 9.16; 15.6 The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation
and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
12 #
Prov 9.11
The fear of the Lord delights the heart
and gives gladness and joy and long life.#1.12 Other ancient authorities add The fear of the Lord is a gift from the Lord; also for love he makes firm paths.
13 #
Ps 37.37
Those who fear the Lord will have a happy end;
on the day of their death they will be blessed.
14 #
Ps 111.10; Prov 1.7; Sir 19.20 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
she is created with the faithful in the womb.
15She made#1.15 Gk made as a nest among humans an eternal foundation,
and among their descendants she will abide faithfully.
16 #
Ps 111.10; Prov 1.7; 8.18, 19 To fear the Lord is fullness of wisdom;
she inebriates mortals with her fruits;
17she fills their#1.17 Other ancient authorities read her whole house with desirable goods
and their#1.17 Other ancient authorities read her storehouses with her produce.
18 #
Sir 21.11
The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,
making peace and perfect health to flourish.#1.18 Other ancient authorities add Both are gifts of God for peace; exultation opens out for those who love him. He saw her and took her measure.
19 #
Prov 4.8
She rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension,
and she heightened the glory of those who held her fast.
20 #
v 6
; Ps 111.10; Prov 1.7To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom,
and her branches are long life.#1.20 Other ancient authorities add as 1.21: The fear of the Lord drives away sins, and where it abides, it will turn away all anger.
22 #
Prov 29.22; Mt 5.22 Unjust anger cannot be justified,
for anger tips the scale to one’s ruin.
23 #
Ps 37.7–9
Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment,
and then cheerfulness comes back to them.
24 #
Prov 10.19
They hold back their words until the right moment,
and then the lips of many tell of their good sense.
25In the treasuries of wisdom is insightful analogy,
but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26 #
Eccl 2.26; Sir 21.11 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments,
and the Lord will lavish her upon you.
27 #
Job 28.28; Isa 57.15; 66.2; Mt 5.5 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline;
fidelity and humility are his delight.
28 #
Jas 1.8; 4.8 Do not disobey the fear of the Lord;
do not approach him with a divided mind.
29 #
Sir 4.29; 5.13 Do not be a hypocrite before others,
and keep watch over your lips.
30 #
Prov 5.14; 26.26; Lk 14.11; 18.14 Do not exalt yourself, or you may fall
and bring dishonor upon yourself.
The Lord will reveal your secrets
and overthrow you before the whole congregation,
because you did not come in the fear of the Lord,
and your heart was full of deceit.
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Sirach 1: NRSVUE
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.