In Praise of Wisdom

1All wisdom is from the Lord,

and with him it remains for ever.

2The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,

and the days of eternity—who can count them?

3The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,

the abyss, and wisdom1.3 Other ancient authorities read the depth of the abyss—who can search them out?

4Wisdom was created before all other things,

and prudent understanding from eternity.1.4 Other ancient authorities add as verse 5, The source of wisdom is God's word in the highest heaven, and her ways are the eternal commandments.

6The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?

Her subtleties—who knows them?1.6 Other ancient authorities add as verse 7, The knowledge of wisdom—to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience—who has understood it?

8There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,

seated upon his throne—the Lord.

9It is he who created her;

he saw her and took her measure;

he poured her out upon all his works,

10upon all the living according to his gift;

he lavished her upon those who love him.1.10 Other ancient authorities add Love of the Lord is glorious wisdom; to those to whom he appears he apportions her, that they may see him.

Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom

11The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,

and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

12The fear of the Lord delights the heart,

and gives gladness and joy and long life.1.12 Other ancient authorities add The fear of the Lord is a gift from the Lord; also for love he makes firm paths.

13Those who fear the Lord will have a happy end;

on the day of their death they will be blessed.

14To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

she is created with the faithful in the womb.

15She made1.15 Gk made as a nest among human beings an eternal foundation,

and among their descendants she will abide faithfully.

16To fear the Lord is fullness of wisdom;

she inebriates mortals with her fruits;

17she fills their1.17 Other ancient authorities read her whole house with desirable goods,

and their1.17 Other ancient authorities read her storehouses with her produce.

18The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,

making peace and perfect health to flourish.1.18 Other ancient authorities add Both are gifts of God for peace; glory opens out for those who love him. He saw her and took her measure.

19She rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension,

and she heightened the glory of those who held her fast.

20To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom,

and her branches are long life.1.20 Other ancient authorities add as verse 21, The fear of the Lord drives away sins; and where it abides, it will turn away all anger.

22Unjust anger cannot be justified,

for anger tips the scale to one's ruin.

23Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment,

and then cheerfulness comes back to them.

24They hold back their words until the right moment;

then the lips of many tell of their good sense.

25In the treasuries of wisdom are wise sayings,

but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

26If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments,

and the Lord will lavish her upon you.

27For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline,

fidelity and humility are his delight.

28Do not disobey the fear of the Lord;

do not approach him with a divided mind.

29Do not be a hypocrite before others,

and keep watch over your lips.

30Do not exalt yourself, or you may fall

and bring dishonour upon yourself.

The Lord will reveal your secrets

and overthrow you before the whole congregation,

because you did not come in the fear of the Lord,

and your heart was full of deceit.