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Sirach 1

1
Wisdom’s origins
1All wisdom comes from the Lord.
It lives with him forever.
2Who can count the grains of sand in the seas,
the drops of rain,
or the days of eternity?
3Who can discover heaven’s height,
the earth’s breadth,
the abyss,#1.3 Gk abysson or wisdom?
4Wisdom was created before everything else.
Right understanding
is as old as eternity.#1.4 LXXb adds 1:5 The source of wisdom is God’s word in the highest places. She walks in accordance with eternal commandments.
6To whom was Wisdom’s root revealed?
Who knew her wonderful feats?#1.6 b adds 1:7 To whom has Wisdom’s skill been shown? Who has understood her vast experience?
8There is one who is wise, greatly feared,
seated upon his throne.
9The Lord himself created her;
he saw her; he measured her.
The Lord poured her out
over everything he made,
to be with each person
to the extent that God grants,
and he supplied her abundantly
to those who love him.#1.9 b adds to 1:10 Love for the Lord is recognized as wisdom. He gives wisdom to the person to whom he appears as a vision of himself.
Fear of the Lord is Wisdom
11Fear of the Lord is a person’s glory, boasting, gladness,
and crown of rejoicing.
12Fear of the Lord will cheer the heart,
and it will give gladness, joy,
and a long life.#1.12 b adds to 1:12 Fear of the Lord is the Lord’s gift, because he also establishes paths for love.
13Things will go well at the end
for those who fear the Lord.
They will be blessed
at the time of death.
14Wisdom starts with fearing the Lord,
and she is joined to the faithful
even within the womb.
15Wisdom built her nest among human beings as an eternal foundation,
and they will entrust
their offspring to her.
16Wisdom is fully satisfied
with fearing the Lord,
and she will make people drunk
with her fruits.
17She will fill all their houses
with desirable things
and fill their storehouses
from her produce.
18Fearing the Lord
is Wisdom’s crowning garland,
sprouting forth peace
and restorative health.#1.18 b adds to 1:18 and the beginning of 1:19 Both are God’s gifts for peace, and those who love God find more reason to boast. God saw Wisdom and measured her.
19She rained down skill
and insightful knowledge,
and she raised up the reputation
of those who held on to her.
20Fearing the Lord is Wisdom’s root,
and her branches yield a long life.#1.20 b adds 1:21 Fear of the Lord drives sins away, and when it lasts, it will turn aside all wrath.
22Unjust anger won’t be justified,
for the tipping point of one’s anger
is one’s downfall.
23Patient people will hold themselves back
until the right moment,
and afterward they will be paid back
with joy.
24They will hide their words
until the right moment,
and many will talk about
their good judgment.
25There are intelligent proverbs
in Wisdom’s treasuries,
but sinners avoid godliness
like the plague.
26If you want to find Wisdom,
then keep the commandments,
and the Lord will supply her to you in
vast quantities.
27Fearing the Lord brings
wisdom and education.
He is pleased with faithfulness
and gentleness.
28Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord,
and don’t approach him#1.28 Or it
with a divided heart.
29Don’t give people reason
to call you a hypocrite,
and pay attention to what you say.
30Don’t exalt yourself,
or else you might fall
and bring dishonor to yourself.
The Lord will reveal your secrets,
and he will overthrow you
in the middle of the congregation,
because you didn’t come
with proper regard for the Lord
and your heart was full of insincerity.

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Sirach 1: CEB

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