Bible > NABRE > Ben Sira 1

◄ Ben Sira 1 ►

New American Bible Revised Edition

Foreword

Inasmuch as many and great truths have been given to us through the Law, the prophets, and the authors who followed them,* for which the instruction and wisdom of Israel merit praise, it is the duty of those who read the scriptures not only to become knowledgeable themselves but also to use their love of learning in speech and in writing to help others less familiar. So my grandfather Jesus, who had long devoted himself to the study of the law, the prophets, and the rest of the books of our ancestors, and had acquired great familiarity with them, was moved to write something himself regarding instruction and wisdom. He did this so that those who love learning might, by accepting what he had written, make even greater progress in living according to the Law.

You are invited therefore to read it with good will and attention, with indulgence for any failure on our part, despite earnest efforts, in the interpretation of particular passages. For words spoken originally in Hebrew do not have the same effect when they are translated into another language. That is true not only of this book but of the Law itself, the prophecies, and the rest of the books, which differ no little when they are read in the original.

I arrived in Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Euergetes, and while there, I had access to no little learning. I therefore considered it my duty to devote some diligence and industry to the translation of this book. During this time I applied my skill for many sleepless hours to complete the book and publish it for those living abroad who wish to acquire learning and are disposed to live their lives according to the Law.

The Wisdom of Ben Sira

Chapter 1

God’s Gift of Wisdom*

1All wisdom* is from the Lord

and remains with him forever.a

2The sands of the sea, the drops of rain,

the days of eternity—who can count them?

3Heaven’s height, earth’s extent,

the abyss and wisdom—who can explore them?

4Before all other things wisdom was created;

and prudent understanding, from eternity.†

6The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?

Her subtleties—who knows them?† b

8* There is but one, wise and truly awesome,

seated upon his throne—the Lord.

9It is he who created her,

saw her and measured her,c

Poured her forth upon all his works,

10upon every living thing according to his bounty,

lavished her upon those who love him.

Fear of the Lord Is Wisdom*

11The fear of the Lord* is glory and exultation,

gladness and a festive crown.

12The fear of the Lord rejoices the heart,

giving gladness, joy, and long life.†

13Those who fear the Lord will be happy at the end,

even on the day of death they will be blessed.

14The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord;

she is created with the faithful in the womb.d

15With the godly she was created from of old,

and with their descendants she will keep faith.

16The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord;

she inebriates them with her fruits.e

17Their entire house she fills with choice foods,

their granaries with her produce.

18The crown of wisdom is the fear of the Lord,

flowering with peace and perfect health.†

19Knowledge and full understanding she rains down;

she heightens the glory of those who possess her.

20The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord;

her branches are long life.

21The fear of the Lord drives away sins;

where it abides it turns back all anger.

22Unjust anger can never be justified;

anger pulls a person to utter ruin.

23* Until the right time, the patient remain calm,

then cheerfulness comes back to them.

24Until the right time they hold back their words;

then the lips of many will tell of their good sense.

25Among wisdom’s treasures is the model for knowledge;

but godliness is an abomination to the sinner.

26If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments,

and the Lord will bestow her upon you;

27For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline;

faithfulness and humility are his delight.

28Do not disobey the fear of the Lord,*

do not approach it with duplicity of heart.f

29Do not be a hypocrite before others;

over your lips keep watch.

30Do not exalt yourself lest you fall

and bring dishonor upon yourself;

For then the Lord will reveal your secrets

and cast you down in the midst of the assembly.

Because you did not approach the fear of the Lord,

and your heart was full of deceit.

Book Introduction

Footnotes

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Home