1All wisdom comes from the Lord

and is with him 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 wisdom — who can search them out?

4Wisdom was created before all things,

and prudent understanding from eternity.1.4 Other 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 clever devices — who knows them?1.6 Other authorities add as verse 7, The knowledge of wisdom — to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience — who has understood it?

8There is One who is wise, greatly to be feared,

sitting upon his throne.

9The Lord himself created wisdom;1.9 Gk her

he saw her and apportioned her,

he poured her out upon all his works,

10She dwells with all flesh according to his gift,

and he supplied her to those who love him.

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.

13With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end;

on the day of his death he 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 nest among men an eternal foundation,

and among their descendants she will be trusted.

16To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure;

she satisfies1.16 Gk intoxicates men with her fruits;

17she fills their whole house with desirable goods,

and their storehouses with her produce.

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

making peace and perfect health to flourish.

19He saw her and apportioned her;

he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension,

and he exalted 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 authorities add as verse 21, The fear of the Lord drives away sins: and where it abides, it will turn away all anger.

22Unrighteous anger cannot be justified,

for a man's anger tips the scale to his ruin.

23A patient man will endure until the right moment,

and then joy will burst forth for him.

24He will hide his words until the right moment,

and the lips of many will tell of his 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 supply it for you.

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

and he delights in fidelity and meekness.

28Do not disobey the fear of the Lord;

do not approach him with a divided mind.

29Be not a hypocrite in men's sight,1.29 Syr: Gk in the mouths of men

and keep watch over your lips.

30Do not exalt yourself lest you fall,

and thus bring dishonour 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.