Sirach 1 - Contemporary English Version Interconfessional Edition（CEVDCI）

Only the Lord Can Give Wisdom

1

6Who can understand

the deep thoughts of Wisdom

or how clever she is?

7Can anyone be taught

all of her knowledge?

Can anyone understand

how much she has learned?

8Only the Lord is that wise;

he is fearsome and majestic

as he rules from his throne.

9

11If you fear the Lord,

you will be proud

of the honors you receive,

and you will wear happiness

like a crown.

12And if you fear him,

your life will be long

and filled with joy.

13You will die happy,

blessed by the Lord

on the day of your death.

14Respect and obey the Lord—

that's where Wisdom begins,

and she will stay

with faithful people

from the day of their birth.

15She has lived among us humans

since the beginning of time,

and she will never desert

our descendants.

16Respect and obey the Lord—

this is complete Wisdom.

Be drunk on the wine

of Wisdom,

17

19Hold on to Wisdom,

and she will honor you

by sending knowledge

and complete understanding

like showers of rain.

20

22It is never right to be angry

without a good reason,

because anger will start you

down the path to disaster.

23Just be patient and stay calm

until your anger fades.

24Then when the time is right

you can speak,

and others will tell

of your good sense.

Be Faithful to the Lord

25Wisdom collects wise sayings,

but faithfulness to God

is disgusting to a sinner.

26If you want lots of Wisdom

from the Lord,

then obey his commands.

27Respect and obey the Lord,

and you will learn Wisdom;

be faithful and humble,

and he will be pleased.

28Faithfully obey the Lord

and worship him

with all your heart.

29Others are watching you,

so be careful—

don't say one thing

and then do something else.

30If you boast and then fail,

you will be disgraced.

And if you only pretend

to worship the Lord,

he will bring you down

and show everyone

that you are a fake.