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The Prologue

Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the others[a] that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom. Now those who read them must not only themselves understand them but must also as lovers of learning be able through both speaking and writing to help the outsiders. So my grandfather Jesus, who had devoted himself especially to the reading of the Law and the Prophets 10 and the other books of our ancestors 11 and had acquired considerable proficiency in them, 12 was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, 13 so that by becoming familiar also with his book[b] those who love learning 14 might make even greater progress in living according to the law.

15 You are invited, therefore, 17 to read it 16 with goodwill and attention 18 and to be indulgent 19 in cases where we may seem 20 to have rendered some phrases imperfectly, despite our diligent labor in translating. 21–22 For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same effect when translated into another language. 23 Not only this book, 24 but even the Law itself, the Prophets,[c] 25 and the rest of the books 26 differ not a little when read in the original.

27 In the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes, 28 when I came to Egypt and stayed for some time, 29 I found a copy affording[d] no little instruction. 30 It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some diligence and labor to the translation of this book. 31–32 During that time I have applied my skill day and night 33 to complete and publish the book 34 for those living abroad who wish to gain learning and are 35 preparing 36 to live according to the law.(A)

In Praise of Wisdom

All wisdom is from the Lord,
    and with him it remains forever.(B)
The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
    and the days of eternity—who can count them?(C)
The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
    the abyss, and wisdom[e]—who can search them out?(D)
Wisdom was created before all things
    and prudent understanding from eternity.[f](E)
The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
    Her subtleties—who knows them?[g](F)
There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,
    seated upon his throne: the Lord.
It is he who created her;
    he saw her and took her measure;
    he poured her out upon all his works,
10 upon all the living according to his gift;
    he lavished her upon those who love him.[h](G)

Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom

11 The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation
    and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.(H)
12 The fear of the Lord delights the heart
    and gives gladness and joy and long life.[i](I)
13 Those who fear the Lord will have a happy end;
    on the day of their death they will be blessed.(J)

14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    she is created with the faithful in the womb.(K)
15 She made[j] among humans an eternal foundation,
    and among their descendants she will abide faithfully.
16 To fear the Lord is fullness of wisdom;
    she inebriates mortals with her fruits;(L)
17 she fills their[k] whole house with desirable goods
    and their[l] storehouses with her produce.
18 The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,
    making peace and perfect health to flourish.[m](M)
19 She rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension,
    and she heightened the glory of those who held her fast.(N)
20 To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom,
    and her branches are long life.[n](O)

22 Unjust anger cannot be justified,
    for anger tips the scale to one’s ruin.(P)
23 Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment,
    and then cheerfulness comes back to them.(Q)
24 They hold back their words until the right moment,
    and then the lips of many tell of their good sense.(R)

25 In the treasuries of wisdom is insightful analogy,
    but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments,
    and the Lord will lavish her upon you.(S)
27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline;
    fidelity and humility are his delight.(T)

28 Do not disobey the fear of the Lord;
    do not approach him with a divided mind.(U)
29 Do not be a hypocrite before others,
    and keep watch over your lips.(V)
30 Do not exalt yourself, or you may fall
    and bring dishonor 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.(W)

Footnotes

  1. P.2 Or other books
  2. P.13 Gk with these things
  3. P.24 Gk prophecies
  4. P.29 Other ancient authorities read found opportunity for
  5. 1.3 Other ancient authorities read the depth of the abyss
  6. 1.4 Other ancient authorities add as 1.5: The source of wisdom is God’s word in the highest heaven, and her ways are the eternal commandments.
  7. 1.6 Other ancient authorities add as 1.7: The knowledge of wisdom—to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience—who has understood it?
  8. 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.
  9. 1.12 Other ancient authorities add The fear of the Lord is a gift from the Lord; also for love he makes firm paths.
  10. 1.15 Gk made as a nest
  11. 1.17 Other ancient authorities read her
  12. 1.17 Other ancient authorities read her
  13. 1.18 Other ancient authorities add Both are gifts of God for peace; exultation opens out for those who love him. He saw her and took her measure.
  14. 1.20 Other ancient authorities add as 1.21: The fear of the Lord drives away sins, and where it abides, it will turn away all anger.