Sirach 1:1-6

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?

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?