All wisdom cometh from the Lord

and is with him for ever.

Who can number the sand of the sea,
and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?
Who can find out the height of heaven,
and the breadth of the earth,
and the deep, and wisdom?

Wisdom hath been created before all things,
and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.

The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom;
and her ways are everlasting commandments.

To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed?
or who hath known her wise counsels?
[Unto whom
hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
and who hath understood her great experience?]

There is one wise and greatly to be feared,
the Lord sitting upon his throne.
He created her, and saw her, and numbered her,
and poured her out upon all his works.
She is with all flesh according to his gift,
and he hath given her to them that love him.

The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory,
and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart,
and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.

Whoso feareth the Lord,
it shall go well with him at the last,
and he shall find favour in the day of his death.

To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:
and it was created with the faithful in the womb.

She hath built an everlasting foundation with men,
and she shall continue with their seed.

To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom,
and filleth men with her fruits.
She filleth all their house with things desirable,
and the garners with her increase.

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.

Sirach 1:1-18
(Office of the Readings)