1All wisdom comes from the Lord,
and is with him forever.
2Who can count the sand of the seas,
the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity?
3Who will search out the height of the sky,
the breadth of the earth, the deep,
and wisdom?
4Wisdom has been created before all things,
and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. 5
6To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed?
Who has known her shrewd counsels? 7
8There is one wise, greatly to be feared,
sitting upon his throne: the Lord.
9He created her.
He saw and measured her.
He poured her out upon all his works.
10She is with all flesh according to his gift.
He gave her freely to those who love him.
11The fear of the Lord is glory, exultation,
gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.
12The fear of the Lord will delight the heart,
and will give gladness, joy, and length of days.
13Whoever fears the Lord, it will go well with him at the last.
He will be blessed in the day of his death.
14To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
It was created together with the faithful in the womb.
15She laid an eternal foundation with men.
She will be trusted among their offspring.
16To fear the Lord is the fullness of wisdom.
She inebriates men with her fruits.
17She will fill all her house with desirable things,
and her storehouses with her produce.
18The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom,
making peace and perfect health to flourish.
19He both saw and measured her.
He rained down skill and knowledge of understanding,
and exalted the honor of those who hold her fast.
20To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom.
Her branches are length of days. 21
22Unjust wrath can never be justified,
for his wrath tips the scale to his downfall.
23A man that is patient will resist for a season,
and afterward gladness will spring up to him.
24He will hide his words until the right moment,
and the lips of many will tell of his understanding.
25A wise saying is in the treasures of wisdom;
but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments
and the Lord will give her to you freely;
27for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction.
Faith and humility are his good pleasure.
28Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord.
Don’t come to him with a double heart.
29Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight.
Keep watch over your lips.
30Don’t exalt yourself,
lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul.
The Lord will reveal your secrets
and will cast you down in the midst of the congregation,
because you didn’t come to the fear of the Lord
and your heart was full of deceit.