Ben Sira 1:11-20

11 The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

12 The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life. ^[a]

13 Those who fear the Lord will have a happy end; on the day of their death they will be blessed.

14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.

15 She made ^[b] among human beings 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;

17 she fills their ^[c] whole house with desirable goods, and their storehouses with her produce.

18 The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish.

19 She rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension, and she heightened the glory of those who held her fast.

20 To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [The fear of the Lord is a gift from the Lord; also for love he makes firm paths.]
• [b]. Gk [made as a nest]
• [c]. Other ancient authorities read [her]
• [d]. Other ancient authorities read [her]
• [e]. Other ancient authorities add [Both are gifts of God for peace; glory opens out for those who love him. He saw her and took her measure.]
• [f]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 21, [The fear of the Lord drives away sins; and where it abides, it will turn away all anger.]