Ben Sira 1:14-24

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

15 She made ^[a] 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 ^[b] 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.

22 Unjust anger cannot be justified, for anger tips the scale to one's ruin.

23 Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment, and then cheerfulness comes back to them.

24 They hold back their words until the right moment; then the lips of many tell of their good sense.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk [made as a nest]
• [b]. Other ancient authorities read [her]
• [c]. Other ancient authorities read [her]
• [d]. 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.]
• [e]. 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.]