1 All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him, it remains forever.
2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out?
4 Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity.
5 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? Her subtleties—who knows them?
6 There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared, seated upon his throne—the Lord.
7 It is he who created her; he saw her and took her measure; he poured her out upon all his works,
8 upon all the living according to his gift; he lavished her upon those who love him.
9 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.
10 With the godly she was created from of old, and with their descendants, she will keep faith.
- Sirach 1: 1-10