Ben Sira 25:12

12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of His love, and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto Him.

Ben Sira 25:12 In-Context

10 O how great is he that findeth wisdom! Yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.

11 But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination; he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?

12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of His love, and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto Him.

13 Give me any plague, but the plague of the heart; and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman;

14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me; and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.