Liber Ecclesiasticus, 2
1. Fili, accedens ad servitutem Dei sta in iustitia et timore et praepara animam tuam ad tentationem.
1. All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with him for ever.
2. Dirige cor tuum et sustine, inclina aurem tuam et suscipe verba intellectus et ne sollicitus sis in tempore calamitatis.
2. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity -- who can count them?
3. Sustine sustentationes Dei, coniungere Deo et ne laxes, ut sapiens fias in viis tuis.
3. The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom -- who can search them out?
4. Omne, quod tibi applicitum fuerit, accipe et in dolore sustine et in humilitate tua patientiam habe,
4. Wisdom was created before all things, and prudent understanding from eternity.
5. quoniam in igne probatur aurum et argentum, homines vero receptibiles in camino humiliationis.
5. The root of wisdom -- to whom has it been revealed? Her clever devices -- who knows them?
6. Crede Deo, et recuperabit te, et spera in illum, et diriget viam tuam; serva timorem illius et in illo veterasce.
6. There is One who is wise, greatly to be feared, sitting upon his throne.
7. Metuentes Dominum, sustinete misericordiam eius et non deflectatis ab illo, ne cadatis.
7. The Lord himself created wisdom; he saw her and apportioned her, he poured her out upon all his works.
8. Qui timetis Dominum, credite illi, et non evacuabitur merces vestra.
8. She dwells with all flesh according to his gift, and he supplied her to those who love him.
9. Qui timetis Dominum, sperate in bona et in oblectationem aevi et in misericordiam.
9. The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
10. Qui timetis Dominum, diligite illum, et illuminabuntur corda vestra.
10. The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life.
11. Respicite, filii, generationes antiquas et videte: quis speravit in Domino et confusus est?
11. With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end; on the day of his death he will be blessed.
12. Aut quis permansit in mandatis eius et derelictus est? Aut quis invocavit eum, et despexit illum?
12. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.
13. Quoniam pius et misericors est Dominus et remittet in die tribulationis peccata et protector est omnibus exquirentibus se in veritate.
13. She made among men an eternal foundation, and among their descendants she will be trusted.
14. Vae duplici corde et labiis scelestis et manibus dissolutis et peccatori terram ingredienti duabus viis!
14. To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure; she satisfies men with her fruits;
15. Vae dissolutis corde, qui non credunt, et ideo non protegentur!
15. she fills their whole house with desirable goods, and their storehouses with her produce.
16. Vae vobis, qui perdidistis sustinentiam et qui dereliquistis vias rectas et divertistis in vias pravas!
16. The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish.
17. Et quid facietis, cum inspicere coeperit Dominus?
17. He saw her and apportioned her; he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension, and he exalted the glory of those who held her fast.
18. Qui timent Dominum, non erunt incredibiles verbo illius; et, qui diligunt illum, conservabunt viam illius.
18. To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life.
19. Qui timent Dominum, inquirent quae beneplacita sunt ei; et, qui diligunt eum, replebuntur lege ipsius.
19.
20. Qui timent Dominum, praeparabunt corda sua et in conspectu illius sanctificabunt animas suas.
20.
21. Qui timent Dominum, custodiunt mandata illius et patientiam habebunt usque ad inspectionem illius
21.
22. dicentes: “Si paenitentiam non egerimus, incidemus in manus Domini et non in manus hominum;
22. Unrighteous anger cannot be justified, for a man's anger tips the scale to his ruin.
23. secundum enim magnitudinem ipsius, sic et misericordia illius”.
23. A patient man will endure until the right moment, and then joy will burst forth for him.
24.
24. He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his good sense.
25.
25. In the treasuries of wisdom are wise sayings, but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26.
26. If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply it for you.
27.
27. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and he delights in fidelity and meekness.
28.
28. Do not disobey the fear of the Lord; do not approach him with a divided mind.
29.
29. Be not a hypocrite in men's sight, and keep watch over your lips.
30.
30. Do not exalt yourself lest you fall, and thus bring dishonor upon yourself. The Lord will reveal your secrets and cast you down in the midst of the congregation, because you did not come in the fear of the Lord, and your heart was full of deceit.
