Ben Sira 1:1-8

1 All wisdom comes from the Lord, ¹ and Wisdom is with him forever.

2 Who can count raindrops or the sand along the shore? Who can count the days of eternity?

3 How high is the sky? How wide is the earth? How deep is the ocean? How profound is Wisdom? Can anyone find answers to these questions?

4 Wisdom was created before anything else; understanding has always existed. ^[a]

6 Has anyone ever been shown where Wisdom originates? Does anyone understand her subtle cleverness?

8 There is only one who is wise, and we must stand in awe before his throne.

Cross References

• 1. 1.1Proverbs 2.6.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Some manuscripts add verse 5:] The source of Wisdom is the word of God on high; her ways are eternal commands.
• [b]. [Some manuscripts add verse 7:] To whom has the knowledge of Wisdom been revealed? Who has understood her great experience?