Add parallel Print Page Options

28 The first human being never finished comprehending wisdom,
    nor will the last succeed in fathoming her.
29 For deeper than the sea are her thoughts,
    and her counsels, than the great abyss.

30 Now I, like a stream from a river,[a]
    and like water channeling into a garden—
31 I said, “I will water my plants,
    I will drench my flower beds.”
Then suddenly this stream of mine became a river,
    and this river of mine became a sea.
32 Again I will make my teachings shine forth like the dawn;
    I will spread their brightness afar off.
33 Again I will pour out instruction like prophecy
    and bestow it on generations yet to come.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 24:30–33 Ben Sira again speaks about himself. He had at first drawn a small portion of the water of wisdom for his own private benefit, but finding it so useful, he soon began to let others share in this boon by teaching them the lessons of wisdom. Like the words of the prophets, Ben Sira’s instruction is valuable for all generations (v. 33). The comparison to prophecy is bold and unique.