Open English Translation SIR Chapter 1

1 All wisdom comes from the master,

and is with him forever.

2 Who can count the sand of the seas,

the drops of rain,

and the days of eternity?

3 Who’ll search out the height of the sky,

the breadth of the earth, the deep,

and wisdom?

4 Wisdom has been created before all things,

and the understanding of prudence from eternal. 5 [fn]

6 To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed?

Who’s known her shrewd counsels? 7 [fn]

8 There’s one wise, greatly to be feared,

sitting on his throne: the master.

9 He created her.

He saw and measured her.

He poured her out on all his works.

10 She’s with all flesh according to his gift.

He gave her freely to those who love him.

11 The fear of the master is glory, exultation,

gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

12 The fear of the master will delight the heart,

and will give gladness, joy, and length of days.

13 All those who fear the master, it’ll go well with him at the last.

He’ll be blessed in the day of his death.

14 To fear the master is the beginning of wisdom.

It was created together with the faithful in the womb.

15 She[fn] laid an eternal foundation with men.

She’ll be trusted among their offspring.

16 To fear the master is the fullness of wisdom.

She inebriates men with her fruits.

17 She’ll fill all her house with desirable things,

and her storehouses with her produce.

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

making peace and[fn] perfect health to flourish.[fn]

19 He both saw and measured her.

He rained down skill and knowledge of understanding,

and exalted the honour of those who hold her fast.

20 To fear the master is the root of wisdom.

Her branches are length of days. 21 [fn]

22 Unjust anger can never be justified,

for his anger tips the scale to his downfall.

23 A man that’s patient will resist for a season,

and afterward gladness will spring up to him.

24 He’ll hide his words until the right moment,

and the lips of many will tell of his understanding.

25 A wise saying is in the treasures of wisdom;

but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments

and the master will give her to you freely;

27 for the fear of the master is wisdom and instruction.

Faith and humility are his good pleasure.

28 Don’t disobey the fear of the master.

Don’t come to him with a double heart.

29 Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight.

Keep watch over your lips.

30 Don’t exalt yourself,

or you might fall and bring dishonour on your soul.

The master will reveal your secrets

and will throw you down among the congregation,

because you didn’t come to the fear of the master

and your heart was full of deceit.