1 the prologue of the wisdom of jesus son of sirac. while many and great things have been delivered to us by the law and the prophets, and by others who have followed in his footsteps, for which israel is to be commended for learning and wisdom; and of which it is necessary that not only readers become skillful, but also those who wish to learn, can take advantage of those who are deprived, both speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had given much to reading the law , and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and having obtained good judgment in them, he also inspired himself to write something related to learning and wisdom; so that those who are desirous of learning, and addicted to these things, may profit much more in living according to the law. therefore, let me beg you to read it with favor and attention, and to forgive us, in that it seems that we fell short in some words, which we have taken pains to interpret. because the same things said in Hebrew, and translated into another language, do not have the same force in them; and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the other books, make no little difference, when spoken in their own language. for in the thirty-eighth year, entering Egypt, Euergetes being king, and continuing there for some time, I found a book of no small science: for which it seemed to me very necessary to put some diligence and labor to interpret it; using great vigilance and skill in that space to bring the book to an end, and expose it also for those in a strange country who are willing to learn, preparing beforehand in ways to live according to the law. All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with him forever.
2 Who can count the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?
You are reading: Books of the apocrypha
3 Who can calculate the height of the heavens and the breadth of the earth, the depths and wisdom?
4 wisdom was created before all things, and understanding of prudence from eternity.
5 the word of the most high god is a source of wisdom; and his ways are everlasting commandments.
6 To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? Or who has known the wise advice of him?
7 To whom has the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? And who has understood his great experience?
8 there is one wise and very fearsome, the lord sitting on his throne.
9 he created it, and he saw it, and numbered it, and poured it out on all his works.
10 she is with all flesh according to her gift, and he has given her to those who love him.
See Also: Beth Moore – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com
11 The fear of the Lord is honor and glory and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
12 the fear of the Lord rejoices the heart, and gives joy, happiness and long life.
13 To the one who fears the Lord, it will be well with him in the end, and he will find grace on the day of his death.
14 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb.
15 she has built an everlasting foundation with men, and she will abide with her seed.
16 The fear of the Lord is fullness of wisdom, and fills men with its fruits.
17 she fills their whole house with desirable things, and the barns with their fruit.
18 The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, which makes peace and perfect health flourish; Both are gifts from God: and he increases the joy of those who love him.
19 Wisdom rains skill and knowledge on the feet of understanding, and exalts in honor those who hold her.
20 The root of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and its branches live long.
See Also: How to Decorate Your Home With Books (easy tips)
21 The fear of the Lord drives away sins, and turns away wrath where it is.
22 an angry man cannot be justified; for the dominion of his wrath will be his destruction.
23 a patient man will cry for a time, and then joy will spring up in him.
24 He will conceal his words for a while, and the lips of many will proclaim his wisdom.
25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26 If you want wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will give it to you.
27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and faith and gentleness are his delights.
28 Do not distrust the fear of the Lord when you are poor, and do not approach him with a double heart.
29 do not be hypocritical before men, and be very careful what you speak.
30 do not exalt yourself, lest you fall, and bring dishonor to your soul, and so may god discover your secrets, and cast you out in the midst of the congregation, because you did not come in truth to the fear of the lord , but your heart is full of deceit.
See Also: Best mystery books and thrillers of 2015 – The Washington Post