Sirach 1:1-9

Wisdom’s origins

1 All wisdom comes from the Lord. It lives with him forever.

2 Who can count the grains of sand in the seas, the drops of rain, or the days of eternity?

3 Who can discover heaven's height, the earth's breadth, the abyss,^[a] or wisdom?

4 Wisdom was created before everything else. Right understanding is as old as eternity.^[b]

6 To whom was Wisdom's root revealed? Who knew her wonderful feats?^[c]

8 There is one who is wise, greatly feared, seated upon his throne.

9 The Lord himself created her; he saw her; he measured her. The Lord poured her out over everything he made, to be with each person to the extent that God grants, and he supplied her abundantly to those who love him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk abysson
• [b]. LXXb adds 1:5 The source of wisdom is God’s word in the highest places. She walks in accordance with eternal commandments.
• [c]. b adds 1:7 To whom has Wisdom’s skill been shown? Who has understood her vast experience?
• [d]. b adds to 1:10 Love for the Lord is recognized as wisdom. He gives wisdom to the person to whom he appears as a vision of himself.