1 1 All wisdom comes from the Lord,
and is with him for ever.
1 2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity - who can count them?
1 3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
the abyss, and wisdom - who can search them out?
1 4 Wisdom was created before all things,
and prudent understanding from eternity.
1 5 The root of wisdom - to whom has it been revealed?
Her clever devices - who knows them?
1 6 There is One who is wise, greatly to be feared, sitting upon his throne.
1 7 The Lord himself created wisdom;
he saw her and apportioned her, he poured her out upon all his works.
1 8 She dwells with all flesh according to his gift,
and he supplied her to those who love him.
1 9 The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,
and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
1 10 The fear of the Lord delights the heart,
and gives gladness and joy and long life.
1 11 With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end;
on the day of his death he will be blessed.
1 12 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
she is created with the faithful in the womb.
1 13 She made among men an eternal foundation,
and among their descendants she will be trusted.
1 14 To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure;
she satisfies men with her fruits;
1 15 she fills their whole house with desirable goods,
and their storehouses with her produce.
1 16 The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,
making peace and perfect health to flourish.
1 17 He saw her and apportioned her;
he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension,
and he exalted the glory of those who held her fast.
1 18 To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom,
and her branches are long life.