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Sirach — Chapter 1

Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language

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1| ALL wisdom is from the Lord, and it is with him forever.

2| The sand of the seas, the drops of rain, the days of eternity — who can count them?

3| The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom — who can fathom them?

4| Wisdom was created before all things, and understanding of prudence from eternity.

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6| To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? And who has known her subtleties?

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8| There is one who is wise, greatly to be feared, seated upon his throne — the Lord.

9| He is the one who brought her into being, took note of her, measured her out, and lavished her upon everything he made,

10| bestowing her on every living creature as his gift, granting her generously to those who love him.

11| The fear of the Lord is glory and boasting, and gladness and a crown of exultation.

12| The fear of the Lord will delight the heart, and will give gladness and joy and length of days.

13| For the one who fears the Lord, it will be well in the end, and on the day of his death he will find favor.

14| The beginning of wisdom is to fear God, and she was created together with the faithful in the womb.

15| Among men she has nested a foundation of eternity, and with their offspring she will be entrusted.

16| To hold wisdom in full measure is to stand in awe of the Lord, and she saturates those who hold her with her fruits.

17| She will fill their whole house with desirable things, and their storehouses with her produce.

18| The crown of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, making peace and healthful well-being flourish.

19| He took note of her and measured her, showering down knowledge and clear insight, and raising high the honor of those who cling fast to her.

20| Wisdom is rooted in standing in awe of the Lord, and her branches stretch out into length of days.

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22| Unjust anger cannot be justified, for the surge of his anger is his own downfall.

23| The patient man will hold out until the right moment, and afterward gladness will spring up for him.

24| Until the right moment he will hide his words, and the lips of many will tell of his understanding.

25| In the treasuries of wisdom is the parable of knowledge, but piety is an abomination to the sinner.

26| If wisdom is what you long for, keep the commandments, and the Lord will grant her to you freely.

27| For wisdom and instruction are the fear of the Lord, and his good pleasure is faithfulness and gentleness.

28| Do not disobey the fear of the Lord, and do not approach him with a divided heart.

29| Do not play the hypocrite in the mouths of men, and pay attention to your lips.

30| Do not exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul, and the Lord uncover your hidden things, and cast you down in the midst of the assembly, because you did not approach in the fear of the Lord, and your heart was full of deceit.

An original translation made in 2026 by Scriptorium Press, working directly from the original language text (never from another English translation), in one consistent modern voice. Free to read, download, and listen — no accounts, no ads, nothing for sale.

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