Ecclesiasticus / Sirach - The Old Testament

¹ Whoever fears the Lord will act like this, and whoever grasps the Law will obtain wisdom.

² She will come to meet him like a mother, and receive him like a virgin bride.

³ She will give him the bread of understanding to eat, and the water of wisdom to drink.

⁴ He will lean on her and will not fall, he will rely on her and not be put to shame.

⁵ She will raise him high above his neighbours, and in full assembly she will open his mouth.

⁶ He will find happiness and a crown of joy, he will inherit an everlasting name.

⁷ Fools will not gain possession of her, nor will sinners set eyes on her.

⁸ She stands remote from pride, and liars cannot call her to mind.

⁹ Praise is unseemly in a sinner's mouth, since it has not been put there by the Lord.

¹⁰ For praise should be uttered only in wisdom, and the Lord himself then prompts it.

¹¹ Do not say, 'The Lord was responsible for my sinning,' for he does not do what he hates.

¹² Do not say, 'It was he who led me astray,' for he has no use for a sinner.

¹³ The Lord hates all that is foul, and no one who fears him will love it either.

¹⁴ He himself made human beings in the beginning, and then left them free to make their own decisions.

¹⁵ If you choose, you will keep the commandments and so be faithful to his will.

¹⁶ He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer.

¹⁷ A human being has life and death before him; whichever he prefers will be given him.

¹⁸ For vast is the wisdom of the Lord; he is almighty and all-seeing.

¹⁹ His eyes are on those who fear him, he notes every human action.

²⁰ He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin.