Sirach 1

my grandfather Jesus, having given himself much to the reading of the Law and the Prophets and the other books of our fathers, and having acquired considerable familiarity therein, was induced also himself to take a part in writing somewhat pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that those who are lovers of learning and instructed in these things might make so much the more progress by a manner of life ⁽lived⁽ in accordance with the Law. Ye are entreated, therefore, to make your perusal with favour and attention, and to be indulgent, if in any parts of what we have laboured to interpret we may seem to fail in some of the phrases. For things originally spoken in Hebrew have not the same force in them when they are translated into another tongue: and not only these, but the Law itself, and the Prophecies, and the rest of the books, have no small difference when they are spoken in their original form. Now, in the eight and thirtieth year under king Euergetes, having come into Egypt and continued there, I found opportunity for no small instruction. I, therefore, deemed it most necessary myself to devote some zeal and ‘love-labour’ to ⁽the task of⁽ interpreting this book; devoting, indeed, much sleepless care and skill in the interval in order, having brought the book to an end, to publish it for them also who in the land of their sojourning desire to be lovers of learning, being already prepared in respect of their moral culture to live by the Law.

1All wisdom cometh from the Lord,

And is with Him for ever.

The sand of the seas, and the drops of rain,

And the days of eternity,—who can number ⁽them⁽?

The height of the heaven, and the breadth of the earth,

And the deep,—who can trace ⁽them⁽ out?

Before them all was Wisdom created,

And prudent insight from everlasting.

The root of Wisdom, to whom hath it been revealed?

And her subtle thoughts, who hath known them?

One there is, greatly to be feared,

The Lord sitting upon His throne;

He himself created her, and saw, and numbered her,

And poured her out upon all His works;

Upon all flesh in measure,

But without measure doth He grant her to them that love Him.

The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,

And gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

The fear of the Lord delighteth the heart,

And giveth gladness, and joy, and length of days.

Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last,

And in the day of his death he shall be blessed.

To fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom,

And with the faithful was she created in the womb.

With faithful men is she, and she hath been established from eternity;

And with their seed shall she continue.

To fear the Lord is the fullness of Wisdom,

And she satiateth men with her fruits.

She filleth all her house with pleasant things,

And her garners with her produce.

The crown of Wisdom is the fear of the Lord,

And increaseth peace and life and health.

She is a strong staff and a glorious stay,

And everlasting honour to them that hold her fast.

To fear the Lord is the root of Wisdom,

And her branches are length of days.

Unrighteous wrath cannot be justified,

For the wrath. of his anger ⁽will prove⁽ his ruin.

He that is patient controlleth himself until the ⁽proper⁽ time,

And afterwards joy springeth up for him.

He suppresseth his words until the ⁽proper⁽ time,

And ⁽then⁽ shall the lips of many tell forth his understanding.

In the treasures of Wisdom ⁽there are⁽ wise proverbs;

But godliness is an abomination to sinners.

If thou desire Wisdom, keep the commandments,

And the Lord will give her freely unto thee.

For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction,

And faith and meekness are well-pleasing unto Him.

My son, disobey not the fear of the Lord,

And approach it not with a double heart.

Be not a hypocrite in the sight of men,

And take good heed to thy lips.

Exalt not thyself lest thou fall,

And bring disgrace upon thyself,

And the Lord reveal thy hidden ⁽thoughts⁽,

And cast thee down in the midst of the assembly,

Because thou camest not unto the fear of the Lord,

And thy heart was full of deceit.