Ecclesiasticus, 1

1. All wisdom comes from the Lord, she is with him for ever.

1. Whereas many great teachings have been given to us through the law and the prophets and the others that followed them, on account of which we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom; and since it is necessary not only that the readers themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love learning should be able to help the outsiders by both speaking and writing, my grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the reading of the law and the prophets and the other books of our fathers, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love learning should make even greater progress in living according to the law.

2. The sands of the sea, the drops of rain, the days of eternity -- who can count them?

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3. The height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the depth of the abyss -- who can explore them?

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4. Wisdom was created before everything, prudent understanding subsists from remotest ages.

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6. For whom has the root of wisdom ever been uncovered? Her resourceful ways, who knows them?

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8. One only is wise, terrible indeed,

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9. seated on his throne, the Lord. It was he who created, inspected and weighed her up, and then poured her out on all his works-

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10. as much to each living creature as he chose -- bestowing her on those who love him.

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11. The fear of the Lord is glory and pride, happiness and a crown of joyfulness.

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12. The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart, giving happiness, joy and long life.

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13. For those who fear the Lord, all will end well: on their dying day they will be blessed.

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14. The basis of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she was created with the faithful in their mothers' womb;

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15. she has made a home in the human race, an age -- old foundation, and to their descendants will she faithfully cling.

15. You are urged therefore to read with good will and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite out diligent labor in translating, we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same sense when translated into another language. Not only this work, but even the law itself, the prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little as originally expressed.

16. The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she intoxicates them with her fruits;

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17. she fills their entire house with treasures and their storerooms with her produce.

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18. The crown of wisdom is to fear the Lord: she makes peace and health flourish.

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19. The Lord has seen and assessed her, he has showered down knowledge and intelligence, he has exalted the renown of those who possess her.

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20. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and her branches are long life.

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22. The rage of the wicked cannot put him in the right, for the weight of his rage is his downfall.

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23. A patient person puts up with things until the right time comes: but his joy will break out in the end.

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24. Till the time comes he keeps his thoughts to himself, and many a lip will affirm how wise he is.

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25. Wisdom's treasuries contain the maxims of knowledge, the sinner, however, holds piety in abhorrence.

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26. If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow it on you.

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27. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and what pleases him is faithfulness and gentleness.

27. When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some pains and labor to the translation of the following book, using in that period of time great watchfulness and skill in order to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning, being prepared in character to live according to the law.

28. Do not stand out against fear of the Lord, do not practise it with a double heart.

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29. Do not act a part in public, keep watch over your lips.

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30. Do not grow too high and mighty, for fear you fall and cover yourself in disgrace; for the Lord would then reveal your secrets and overthrow you before the whole community for not having practised fear of the Lord and for having a heart full of deceit.

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