The PROLOGUE of the Wisdom of JESUS the Son of SIRACH. W are THEREAS 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 Ifrael ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that de fire to learn, be able to profit them which without, both by fpeaking and writing: my grandfather Jefus, 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 fomething pertaining to learning and wisdom, to the intent that those which are defirous 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 fhort of fome words which we have laboured to interpret. For the fame things uttered in He brew, brew, and tranflated into another tongue, have not the fame force in them: and not only these things, but the law itfelf, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no fmall 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 fome time, I found a book of no fmall learning therefore I thought it most neceffary for me, to bestow fome diligence and travel to interpret it; úfing great watchfulness and skill in that space, to bring the book to an end, and fet it forth for them alfo, which in a ftrange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law. : СНАР. All wifdom is from God. them that love him, &c. A I. 10. He giveth it lo LL wifdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever. 2. Who can number the fand of the fea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity? 3. Who can find out the height of heaven, and and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wifdom? 4. Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlafting. s. The word of God most High, is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting commandments. 6. To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath known her wife counfels? 7. (Unto whom hath the knowledge of wifdom been made manifeft? and who hath undetflood her great experience ?) 8. There is one wife and greatly to be feared; the Lord fitting upon his throne. 9. He created her, and faw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works. 10. She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to them that love him. 11. The fear of the Lord is honour and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. 12. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy and gladness, and a long life. 13. Whofo feareth the Lord, it fhall go well with him at the laft, and he fhall find favour in the day of his death. 14. To fear the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom and it was created with the faithful in the womb. : 15. She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and fhe fhall continue with their feed. 16. To fear the Lord, is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits. 17. She filleth all their house with things defirable, and the garners with her increase. 18. The fear of the Lord is a crown of wifdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him. 19. Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast. 20. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life. 21. The fear of the Lord driveth away fins: and where it is prefent, it turneth away wrath. 22. A furious man cannot be juftified, for the fway of his fury fhall be his deftruction. 23. A patient man will bear for a time, and. afterward joy shall spring up unto him. 24. He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom. 25. The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wifdom: but godliness is an abomination to a finner. 26. If thou defire wifdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord fhall give her unto thee. 27. For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meekness are his delight. 28. Diftruft not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor; and come not unto him with a double heart. 29. Be not an hypocrite in the fight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. 30. Exalt not thyself, left thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy foul, and fo God discover thy fecrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou cameft not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit. |