Ben Sira 1:1-6

1 All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever.

2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity—who can count them?

3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom —who can search them out?

4 Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity.

6 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? Her subtleties—who knows them?

Footnotes

• [a] Other ancient authorities read [the depth of the abyss]
• [b] Other ancient authorities add as verse 5, [The source of wisdom is God's word in the highest heaven, and her ways are the eternal commandments.]
• [c] Other ancient authorities add as verse 7, [The knowledge of wisdom--to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience--who has understood it?]