Sir 1 

[A Prologue made by an uncertain Author] 

This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to 

Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the 

latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and 

called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his 

grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great 

diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather 

the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before 

him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much 

understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus 

died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son 

receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having 

gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one 

volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own 

name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the 

hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the 

study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark 

sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly 

stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song; 

moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what 

plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate 

Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both 

being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also. 

[The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.] 

Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law 

and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, 

for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning 

and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become 

skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able 

to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: 

my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the 

reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our 

fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also 

himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to 

the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are 

addicted to these things, might profit much more in living 

according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it 

with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem 

to come short of some words, which we have laboured to 

interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated 

into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not 

only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the 

rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are 

spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth 

year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing 

there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore 

I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and 

travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in 

that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for 

them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, 

being prepared before in manners to live after the law. 

Sir 1:1 

All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever. 

Sir 1:2 

Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, 

and the days of eternity? 

Sir 1:3 

Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the 

earth, and the deep, and wisdom? 

Sir 1:4 

Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the 

understanding of prudence from everlasting. 

Sir 1:5 

The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her 

ways are everlasting commandments. 

Sir 1:6 

To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath 

known her wise counsels? 

Sir 1:7 

[Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? 

and who hath understood her great experience?] 

Sir 1:8 

There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting 

upon his throne. 

Sir 1:9 

He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her 

out upon all his works. 

Sir 1:10 

She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath 

given her to them that love him. 

Sir 1:11 

The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and 

a crown of rejoicing. 

Sir 1:12 

The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, 

and gladness, and a long life. 

Sir 1:13 

Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the 

last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. 

Sir 1:14 

To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was 

created with the faithful in the womb. 

Sir 1:15 

She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she 

shall continue with their seed. 

Sir 1:16 

To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with 

her fruits. 

Sir 1:17 

She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the 

garners with her increase. 

Sir 1:18 

The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and 

perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and 

it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him. 

Sir 1:19 

Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding 

standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast. 

Sir 1:20 

The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches 

thereof are long life. 

Sir 1:21 

The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is 

present, it turneth away wrath. 

Sir 1:22 

A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury 

shall be his destruction. 

Sir 1:23 

A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall 

spring up unto him. 

Sir 1:24 

He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall 

declare his wisdom. 

Sir 1:25 

The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but 

godliness is an abomination to a sinner. 

Sir 1:26 

If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord 

shall give her unto thee. 

Sir 1:27 

For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith 

and meekness are his delight. 

Sir 1:28 

Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and 

come not unto him with a double heart. 

Sir 1:29 

Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed 

what thou speakest. 

Sir 1:30 

Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon 

thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in 

the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth 

to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.