The Origin of Wisdom
1 All wisdom comes from the Lord, and is with him forever. 2 Who can count the sand of the seas, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity? 3 Who will explore the height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the deep, and wisdom? 4 Wisdom was created before all things, and prudent understanding from eternity. 6 To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? Who has known her subtle thoughts? 8 There is one who is wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord, sitting on his throne. 9 He created her. He saw and measured her. He poured her out on all his works. 10 She is with all flesh according to his gift. He gave her freely to those who love him.
Reverence for God and Wisdom
11 The fear of the Lord is glory, jubilation, gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. 12 The fear of the Lord will delight the heart, and will give gladness, joy, and length of days. 13 For whoever fears the Lord, things will go well at the end. He will be blessed on the day of his death.
14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It was created together with the faithful in the womb. 15 She laid an eternal foundation among people. She will be trusted among their offspring. 16 To fear the Lord is the fullness of wisdom. She intoxicates people with her fruits. 17 She will fill all her house with desirable things, and her storehouses with her produce.
18 The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health flourish. 19 He both saw and measured her. He rained down skill and knowledge of understanding, and exalted the honor of those who hold firmly to her. 20 To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom. Her branches bring long life. 21 The fear of the Lord drives away sins. Where it resides, it will turn away all anger.
Patience and Humility
22 Unjust anger can never be justified, for his anger tips the scale to his downfall. 23 A patient person will endure for a time, and afterward joy will spring up for him. 24 He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his understanding. 25 A wise saying is in the treasures of wisdom, but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments and the Lord will give her to you freely, 27 for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction. Faith and humility are his good pleasure. 28 Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart. 29 Don’t be a hypocrite in people’s sight. Keep watch over your lips. 30 Don’t exalt yourself, so that you do not fall and bring dishonor on your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you down in the middle of the congregation, because you didn’t come to the fear of the Lord and your heart was full of deceit.
Texts in conversation
Compare Jesus Ben Sira, Sirach 1:21 and Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor 1.8
Deuterocanon · Early Christian
Summary
Passages
Jesus Ben Sira, Sirach 1:21
Deuterocanon · Ben Sira, EcclesiasticusHe rained down skill and knowledge of understanding,
and exalted the honor of those who hold firmly to her. 20 To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom.
Her branches bring long life. 21 The fear of the Lord drives away sins.
Where it resides, it will turn away all anger. 22 Unjust anger can never be justified,
for his anger tips the scale to his downfall. 23 A patient person will endure for a time,
and afterward joy will spring up for him.
Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor 1.8
Early Christian · PaedagogusReferences
References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.
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